FOR once, British tennis has someone to shout about who isn’t Andy Murray or Laura Robson.
Dan Evans announced himself on the world stage by reaching the third round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows, eventually losing in four sets to world number 22 Tommy Robredo.
The 23-year-old from Birmingham was a virtual unknown before he qualified for the main draw in New York, the first time he had done so at a Grand Slam which wasn’t Wimbledon, but has certainly turned a few heads with his performances.
Evans comfortably defeated 11th seed Kei Nishikori in the first round 6-4, 6-4, 6-2, before seeing off Australian world number 52 Bernard Tomic 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 in the second.
He will now improve on his world ranking of 179 and has replaced James Ward as the British number two behind defending US Open champion Murray.
In fact, Evans reaching the third round is the furthest a British male, other than Murray, has progressed in a Slam since Tim Henman retired in 2007, which is a notable achievement in itself.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the rest of the world had forgotten we had any players who weren’t the Scot or the ever-improving Robson.
Murray’s capture of the Wimbledon crown this summer, coupled with his triumph Stateside 12 months ago, have guaranteed his place in tennis history.
Evans is a long way from that but at least he is a different name to follow.
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