Dan Evans’ transformation into top singles and doubles player shows hard work can pay off
It is almost four years since Dan Evans was forced to make an announcement that would have been beyond his worst nightmares.
Shortly before his home Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2017, the then 27-year-old announced that he had failed a drugs test in a hastily-arranged press conference.
Having tested positive for cocaine, Evans was banned for a year.
Evans had been the “bad boy” of tennis before that as he twice had his funding stripped for a lack of effort, but at this time things appeared different. He had been progressing up the ATP Rankings, and looked set to rise further.
His ban was an unfortunate, if self-inflicted, though provided further motivation for him to return and fulfil his potential.
“You’re disgusted with what you did, but you have to move on at some point,” he said last year when reflecting on his ban.
“I just feel grateful for when I get out on the court.”
Almost three years on since his return, things could not be much better for Evans.
The 30-year-old sits at a career high of 26 in the ATP Rankings – a position he first achieved after winning a maiden ATP Tour title in Melbourne earlier this season.
He surged back up to that spots this week after a stellar run to the last four of the Monte-Carlo Masters, most notably beating world No 1 Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the third round.
The EVO-lution is here 😳
Dan Evans beats Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5 to make the @ROLEXMCMASTERS quarter-finals 👏 pic.twitter.com/k6GPHGYWZs
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 15, 2021
Though Djokovic was not at his best it was a hugely significant win and moment for Evans, and one he would not have been able to achieve in the past, as the tennis betting odds before any match up show.
His recent success, and the possibilities to progress even further, shows just how serious he is now taking his career, and how his new-found commitment and hard work within the sport is well and truly paying off.
From criticising doubles players to reaching ATP Masters 1000 doubles finals
If we needed any further indication of this, it is that he has also proven to be very successful in doubles in recent weeks.
Just two years ago, Evans clashed with Jamie Murray when he described doubles players as “people who didn’t make it at singles and people who didn’t have the attitude to work hard enough to make it in the singles game”.
What quite switched his opinion remains to be seen, but in the past few weeks Evans and his partner Neal Skupski have reached two Masters 1000 finals.
Their run to the final in Monte-Carlo came following a breakthrough run to the final at the Miami Open, having not been seeded at either event.
For Skupski, who has been solely a doubles player throughout his professional career, this recent success has pushed him to career high on the doubles ranking and potentially a spot at the ATP Finals for the first time.
Dan Evans & Neal Skupski end as runners-up at the Monte-Carlo Masters
Dan & Neal lose a close final 6-3, 4-6, 10-7 to No.3 seeds Nikola Mektic & Mate Pavic #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧
— LTA (@the_LTA) April 18, 2021
Evans cannot change mistakes in the past, or take back controversial comments he may have made.
However, if we needed any proof on both his growth as a tennis player and as a person, the past few weeks and months – as well as his whole return in 2018 – prove just how much progress he has made.
With several months of the season still left, the possibility to achieve even more in both singles and doubles is there for him.
Follow Oli Jefford on Twitter @odicksonjefford.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”