Murray and Evans set for Brit bash shootout

ANDY MURRAY and Dan Evans will finally play each other tomorrow in a match befitting a ‘Battle of the Brits’ tournament. The national No 1s past and present will have their first on-court encounter after Murray proved his fitness last night by coming through a second highly physical match in 24 hours. The twice-wimbledon champion needed more than two hours to win 6-3, 7-5 against James ward and seal a semi-final slot in his first tournament back since the Davis Cup in November. Evans awaits after seeing off Cam Norrie 6-3, 6-3. Murray has already answered some of the questions about his fitness following three wins in three days, and his movement held up well last night under the stern challenge of ward. ‘I felt my hip a little bit but it wasn’t really affecting my movement,’ said Murray. ‘It did affect me at the Davis Cup. Tonight was really tough. I’m delighted I’ve now got a rest day.’ Awaiting him is Evans, whose days as a top British player without a clothing deal are over. The 30 year-old Midlander looks very sharp and will provide another proper test for Murray. He looks fit and trim, and has picked up from where he left off before lockdown. Now ranked 28th in the world, Evans earlier called for a tennis expert to replace the outgoing Simon Timson, who is leaving the post of lawn Tennis Association performance director to join Manchester City. Timson, who has worked in cricket and bobsleigh, was new to tennis when he arrived for what turned out to be a relatively short stay. Interviews for those keen to succeed him are underway. ‘I would like someone from tennis,’ said Evans. ‘To be around for three years and then leave, that stings a bit for me. I would like them to be in tennis and really love tennis.’ Norrie now faces a battle to qualify for tomorrow’s semi-finals alongside kyle Edmund, Murray and Evans. He needs to beat Paul Jubb, who defeated his fellow substitute in this event, Ryan Peniston, 6-2, 6-7, 10-6. Norrie, Jubb and Peniston emerged from the uS college scene, as did doubles star Joe Salisbury. Hull-based Jubb, just 20, only entered this event as second replacement when Jay Clarke dropped out, and could emerge as the surprise name in the final four of a tournament which is run similarly to the ATP Finals.