Evans to end exile for drugs shame
DAN EVANS will make his comeback from a drugs ban in Glasgow next week after being handed a wild-card entry by the LTA. Evans, 27, who has served a one-year ban after testing positive for cocaine during the Barcelona Open last year, is set to play in the qualifying draw for the Glasgow Trophy, an ATP Challenger tournament. “The LTA condemn any form of doping, which has no place in our sport,” said performance director Simon Timson. “We have been having regular contact with Dan and he has shown genuine commitment to getting his career back on track. “We have provided a structured programme of sports science and medicine support to help his journey since Dan became eligible again.”
Timson said the former British No2 had passed all the LTA’s checks over a six-week period and will continue to be assessed.
“Our continued support will be entirely dependent on a non-negotiable commitment to ongoing monitoring,” he added.
Evans rose to a career-high ranking of No41 in the world last year and reached the fourth round of the 2017 Australian Open.
“I have learned a lot about myself in my time away from the game, a sport that I love very dearly,” he said.
“I’m grateful to those who have stood by me, the fans and the LTA for the opportunity to compete again.”
NAOMI BROADY crashed out of the Zhengzhou Open in the first round, losing 6-4, 7-5 to Chinese 17-year-old Wang Xiyu.