Dan Evans has played the final match of his singles career.
The British star – who was controversially denied a wildcard for the Wimbledon main draw – was beaten by Tristan Schoolkate in the second round of qualifying, ending Evans’ 18-year career on the professional circuit.
After a close first set, Schoolkate improved his level of play and eventually triumphed 7-5, 6-1 in Roehampton.
Where does Dan Evans rank among the greatest British tennis players in history?
Schoolkate lauded Evans and his career after winning on Wednesday afternoon, describing the Briton as a player he has ‘looked up to.’
Tristan Schoolkate praises ‘phenomenal’ Dan Evans after ending the Briton’s career
“It’s not an easy matchup. I think Dan’s a phenomenal player,” Schoolkate [pictured below] said during his post-match interview on the BBC.
“Wish him all the best, obviously now, after his career.
“Looked up to guys like him for a long time. I mean, so much of the tennis nowadays is same old, same old – so watching him the way he dinks it around his slice is amazing. Great competitor. So many young kids can learn a lot from Dan.
“But yeah, I’m just glad I managed the situation today,” the Australian continued. “Awesome to play on this court in front of everyone.
“I know that they were supporting him, but it’s nice to hear some claps on my way too. And yeah, I played a phenomenal second set after that heat delay. So yeah, I’m happy with that.”
Annabel Croft, the interviewer, then asked a pertinent question.
“Knowing that you were going to possibly be the man to end his career,” Croft, the former British number one began. “How difficult was that emotionally and also to take on a partisan crowd as well? “
“Yeah, I don’t know. It depends how you look at it,” Schoolkate replied.
“I just tried to go about my business, focusing on my side of the net, and yeah, play a good match. I knew if I could hold a good level and be out here for three or four hours, he could still beat me for sure, no problem— he’s a great player on the grass.
How badly treated do you feel Dan Evans has been by Wimbledon?
“So I just wanted to walk off the court knowing that I gave everything, and yeah, I think I did.”
After losing in qualifying, Evans will not have the chance to play a final singles match in front of the Wimbledon crowd in South-West London.
However, he will have the chance to play a doubles match. Evans and Henry Searle – whom Evans is coaching – received wildcards for the Wimbledon Men’s Doubles.
Evans will likely find out his path to the Wimbledon Men’s Doubles title at the start of next month.
Wimbledon Men’s Doubles wildcards
- Alexander Bublik and Nick Kyrgios
- Daniel Evans and Henry Searle
- Ben Jones and Joshua Paris
- Johannus Monday and Harry Wendelken
- David Stevenson and Marcus Willis
Andrew Castle hails Dan Evans
Castle, the former British number one, lauded Evans’ career shortly before the conclusion of Wednesday’s contest.
“Dan Evans made his tour level debut at Queen’s Club in 2008,” he said while commentating for the BBC.
“Got his first ATP Tour win at the same venue in 2013. It’s always [been] a question mark over Dan Evans as to whether he would achieve his enormous potential.
“I have to say, he absolutely has,” Castle concluded.
“A winner at the ATP 500 event in Washington in 2023 and the ATP 250 in Melbourne in 2021. Career high ranking of number 21 in the world.
“For a guy five foot, nine [inches] in this generation and this age, tells you how much racket speed he’s got – and willpower.”
