Evans builds on return as Nadal’s clay reign goes on

Two very different winning streaks continued yesterday, as Rafael Nadal extended his clay-court hegemony by winning the Barcelona title, while the unranked Dan Evans forged into the main draw of the Glasgow Challenger.

Evans, formerly the world No 41, is on the comeback trail after serving a 12-month ban for cocaine use. He opened his account on Saturday in the qualifying tournament, landing a straight-sets win over Ed Corrie. Yesterday he followed up by beating Sam Barry, of Ireland, the world No 488, by a 6-4, 6-1 margin.

“This week was just to see how my body reacted and how I felt on the court and so far so good,” said Evans afterwards. “It was difficult [against Barry]. I started slow but I got going in the end and came through. Obviously I could be a little lighter,” added Evans, who is carrying a few extra pounds.

“This week is the start. It’s not just about winning, it’s about making sure I stay healthy and I’m in a good mental place, which I have been and I’m enjoying it.”

Evans is likely to play again today against a rather more demanding opponent: eighth seed Lucas Miedler of Austria. At 21, Miedler is on the rise, having reached a career high of No 302 this week. But on his first visit to these shores, he may also find that Evans’s slice-heavy game sets unfamiliar challenges.

In Barcelona, meanwhile, Nadal’s 6-2, 6-1 victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, a talented 19-year-old Greek, means that he has now won 46 straight sets on clay.

Finally, in Budapest, British doubles specialist Dominic Inglot landed his eighth ATP title alongside new partner Franko Skugor.