Dan Evans happy to put country and Olympics before ATP ranking points
Dan Evans says that he committed to the Tokyo Olympics after deciding to prioritise the sensation of representing Great Britain over the pursuit of points and ideal scheduling during the US hardcourt swing.
“I think I stripped it all back,” said Evans. “I sat down when the deadline was coming a bit closer. I decided that to represent your country, I thought it was the right thing to do. I put the rankings to one side for a minute. I thought about how much I have enjoyed playing for my country. I decided that I would put that in front of the congested schedule and rankings for a week. I think it was the right thing to do.
Evans had previously expressed doubts about competing in Tokyo and so his inclusion in the team was a surprise: “Now I have done that I am really looking forward to it. I cannot wait to get out there and get going. It would have been the easy thing to go and play in America. At the end, it was the right thing to put my country and play for Britain. That was my final decision. Now, I am happy.”
Seeded 22nd at Wimbledon, Evans has a tricky first round against Feliciano
López on No 2 Court, with Eastbourne champion Alex de Minaur, the 15th seed, looming as a potential third-round opponent. This year marks the first time in Evans’s career that he is seeded at Wimbledon after his breakthrough over the past 18 months mostly occurred during the pandemic period.
Despite performing well on the regular ATP tour, Evans is yet to perform over best of five sets at major tournaments. He is currently on a fourmatch losing streak at grand slams, having last won consecutive grand slam matches at the 2019 US Open.
“I have had good preparation,” said Evans on his current form. “I don’t feel bad, I don’t feel like I am struggling.
I feel very good. Before these tournaments, we are playing with good players, good practice, I feel my game is in a good spot. It’s about on the day.”