IT’S MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
FOR ALL BREAKING TENNIS NEWS VISIT Long and hard qualification road to Wimbledon ends in failure for Evans
The 28-year-old was forced to win through pre-qualifying after not gaining direct entry into the tournament following his suspension for cocaine use. Evans won three matches last week to earn a wildcard into qualifying and then came through his first match at Roehampton, but he was well beaten by Bachinger, ranked 150. Evans will now focus on trying to lift his ranking from 343 to ensure he is eligible for a place in Us Open qualifying in august. James Ward was the first home winner of the day, beating american Bjorn Fratangelo 6-4, 6-4 to reach the final round of qualifying. Cameron norrie progressed to the second round of the nature valley International at Eastbourne after beating Daniel Brands 7-5, 6-7, 6-2. He faces fellow Brit Jay Clarke.
Johanna Konta, meanwhile, produced a sharp performance at Eastbourne yesterday, setting up a challenging clash with world no2 Caroline Wozniacki.
Konta brushed off the disappointment of a firstround defeat at Birmingham last week by beating serbian aleksandra Krunic 6-1, 6-3 in one hour and 14 minutes.
superb serving from the British no1 troubled Krunic and Konta will need to show similar form if she is to topple top seed Wozniacki today. Wozniacki won the australian Open in January and Konta said: ‘I’m looking forward to that. I haven’t played her in quite some time.
‘she’s obviously a Grand slam champion this year, so she’s playing some great tennis. I’ll look forward to that battle.’
Konta lost to Petra Kvitova in Birmingham last week but is hoping a good run leaves her in a strong position for Wimbledon.
Krunic stunned Konta in the first round of the Us Open last year, which contributed to the Brit’s alarming dip in form, but there were no hiccups this time. ‘It was definitely not an easy match,’ said Konta.
‘I played her last year at the Us Open, so I know how well she can play.
‘and obviously just coming off having won a tournament in Hertogenbosch, I knew she was going to be difficult to play. I’m just really happy I could keep my focus on my side of the net and just try to do what I came out here to do.’
On enjoying home comforts in Eastbourne, Konta said: ‘It’s very nice. I feel spoilt, like a young girl again.
‘My mum and dad are cooking for me, doing my laundry, it’s quite nice.’ Dan Evans’ tortuous bid to qualify for Wimbledon after being refused a wildcard ended in heartache with a 6-0, 6-3 defeat to Germany’s Matthias Bachinger yesterday.