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Dan Evans Monte Carlo 2021
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‘Dan Evans was the only one not believing he can win,’ says David Goffin


David Goffin was full of praise for Dan Evans, saying the Brit himself was the only one who believed he could not perform on clay. 

The Belgian looked on course for the semi-finals in Monte Carlo after winning four consecutive games to take the first set 7-5.

Dan Evans came storming back however, mixing up his game and producing clutch tennis at key moments to dispatch Goffin 5-7 6-3 6-4 to reach his maiden Masters semi-final.

After their brutal yet hugely entertaining bout, Goffin praised the 30-year-old, who has always believed his tennis suits the faster grass and hard-courts.

“It was only him who didn’t believe he was able to play well on clay. Now he’s more mature, has a more stable game, and he’s able to fight and believe he can win,” said the Belgian.

“He was the only one not believing he could do it.”

Goffin was not the only star to commend the Brit this week, with 18-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic also praising Evans despite a disappointing defeat for the World No 1.

“He deserved to win. He had the better quality and played well in the decisive moments. He’s a nice player to watch, not so nice to play against,” said Djokovic of Evans.

“Clay wasn’t his surface growing up but the way he plays on clay, I think he plays in a similar quality level to what he plays on his best surfaces. He’s a very good player, no doubt about it.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.