Dan Evans has stated his desire to retire at Wimbledon.
The Davis Cup champion announced his impending retirement in a social media post last Thursday, bringing the curtain down on his 20-year career.
Evans will need a wildcard to play in the Wimbledon main draw, as he is currently ranked 244th on the ATP Tour.
Six of the eight Wimbledon wildcards were announced on Tuesday morning, and Evans was not included.
How do you feel about Dan Evans not being handed a wildcard for Queen’s? 🤔
The Briton’s chances of being awarded a wildcard have now become uncertain, as he is competing against Matteo Berrettini, Nick Kyrgios and Gael Monfils for one of the two remaining spots.
Evans has already been denied a wildcard at one British event this year. Could the Briton experience déjà vu?
John Lloyd certainly believes so.
John Lloyd believes Dan Evans does not deserve a Wimbledon wildcard due to a lack of recent tournament play
John Lloyd, the former British number one, discussed the wildcard selections while on punditry duties for the BBC.
“I’m so happy for Grigor [Dimitrov],” Lloyd said. “He has had a few injuries. He’s a classy player and he still thinks he has a lot left to offer on the tennis court.
“This is not just a farewell tour. He definitely deserves one.”
Dimitrov, one of the stronger grass-court players of his generation, suffered a horrendous pectoral injury during his fourth-round match against Jannik Sinner at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships.
The Bulgarian was two sets up on the Italian star when he keeled over in pain after hitting a first serve.
Dimitrov has since recovered from the injury and is now set to make his Wimbledon return.
“Stan Wawrinka, you cannot not give him one. He’s won three Grand Slams,” Lloyd continued.
Wimbledon Men’s Singles wildcards
- Grigor Dimitrov
- Jacob Fearnley
- Arthur Fery
- Jack Pinnington Jones
- Toby Samuel
- Stan Wawrinka
“Then the Brits there all deserve it. I think they are very solid wildcards, I would not query any of those at all.”
Toby Samuel has performed extraordinarily well on the Tour over the past eight months, rising almost 400 spots in the rankings.
Pinnington Jones and Fery are also worthy selections when considering their defeats of Tomas Etcheverry and Flavio Cobolli on the Grand Slam stage, respectively.
“Dan [Evans] is an interesting thing,” Lloyd [pictured below] continued. “I certainly believe you should reward players who have served the country and performed in Davis Cup.
“Dan had a wildcard last year, he won a round and lost to Novak.
“This year, to me, he has been a part time player,” the former captain of the British Davis Cup team boldly claimed. “He has only played five matches and won one.
“I think Wimbledon have done the right thing. He may still get one. But I am not sure he deserves one.
“He’s only played five tournaments, he could have played more events. I’m not sure he deserves one.”
Dan Evans’ Wimbledon debut
Evans made his first Wimbledon appearance in 2009.
The Brit, who received a wildcard for the event, was defeated in the first round by 12th seed Nikolay Davydenko: 6-2, 6-3, 6-3.
A year later, Evans recorded his first-ever victory at the event while competing in the qualifying draw.
He defeated Tim Smyczek, before losing to Ricardo Berankis in the second round.
Evans would have to wait a further six years to secure his first victory in the Wimbledon main draw.
At the 2016 event, Evans defeated Jan-Lennard Struff and Alexandr Dolgopolov to reach the third round in London.
He was then beaten by Roger Federer in straight sets.
