No six pack, but Dan Evans gets Australian Open job done as he comes back from the dead

Dan Evans produced a comeback of note at the Australian Open as he came from two sets down for the first time his career to beat Mackenzie McDonald in the opening round.
Playing in his first Grand Slam as a seeded player, Evans got off to a terrible start as he found himself 5-1 down in the opening set and, although he briefly fought back, it wasn’t too long before McDonald had raced into a 6-3, 6-4 lead.
The British No 1 was really up against it as he had lost all his previous matches after losing the opening two sets and had never won a five-setter at a Grand Slam.
However, the 30th seed made a stunning comeback to defeat the American 3-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 in three hours and 21 minutes.
Evo finds a way 💪
From two sets down, Dan Evans overcomes McDonald to reach the second round in Melbourne. #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/ryQ7zmL5tv
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 20, 2020
The turning point in the deciding set came in game five as Evans broke McDonald’s serve and after holding serve, strengthened his grip on the match with another break.
Although the world No 129 got one break back, the Brit wrapped it up with third straight break.
Evans, who will face Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round, celebrated his win by rubbing his stomach in reference to ATP Cup captain’s recent comments about him.
Henman revealed that he told Evans that he could do with “missing a few meals”.
However, the 29-year-old admitted before the match that he didn’t take offence, saying: “Listen obviously I can’t help how I look. Geez, I think I am in good shape and it is just aesthetically, I guess that is how I am. I don’t have a six pack, I know that.”
He added: It’s difficult to be a rake like him, not a muscle on him. I think personally I’m in decent shape. Tim finds it pretty hard to give a compliment, I tell you that.
“I knew this was coming. I actually thanked Tim to say at least I had a heads up what was coming.”
The extra weight certainly didn’t hold him back on Monday.
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
French Open
Daniil Medvedev seeks time on court ahead of French Open
Geneva holds great importance for Daniil Medvedev’s hopes of a French Open triumph.
-
Tennis News
Iga Swiatek is setting example for mental health focus psychologist feels
Psychologist Daria Abramowicz travels with Iga Swiatek as a key part of her support team.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon ban: Novak Djokovic plays down suggestions of boycott, saying ‘there are better solutions’
Wimbledon “very strict”, but Novak Djokovic says boycott is unlikely.
-
French Open
2022 French Open: When does it take place, the defending champions, who are absent, TV channels, prize money
Everything you need to know about the French Open.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic for Eurovision? Nole shows off vocal skills while his son Stefan wins his first-ever tournament
A sunshine double for Novak Djokovic and family.
-
Tennis News
Laura Robson retires from tennis: ‘It feels weird to say out loud, but I’m done, I’m retired’
Laura Robson reached the top 30 as a teenager but has been troubled by injury.
-
French Open
French Open tournament director ‘crossing fingers’ to have Rafael Nadal in Roland Garros main draw
Rafael Nadal still touch-and-go for French Open.
-
WTA Tour
Iga Swiatek celebrates with ‘lots of tiramisu’ as she soaks up ‘pretty surreal’ five titles in a row
Tiramisu galore for Iga Swiatek.
-
Wimbledon
Daniil Medvedev to stay clear of spats about ‘tricky’ Wimbledon situation, but happy to play if ban is reversed
Daniil Medvedev not sure if Wimbledon ban “is 100 percent, and it’s over”.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic has ‘good feelings’ about French Open chances after ‘everything clicked’ at Italian Open
It is all going according to plan for Novak Djokovic.