Great Britain’s Dan Evans missed out on a place in the Australian Open main draw for a second consecutive year after losing in the first round of qualifying in Melbourne.
The 35-year-old struggled throughout a 6-1 6-2 defeat to Japan’s Rei Sakamoto, lasting just 66 minutes. Evans recorded four double faults and failed to create a single break point during the match.
This continues a tough period for the former British number one, whose only Grand Slam appearance last year came at Wimbledon, where he received a main draw wildcard.
Other British results
Fellow Britons Jay Clarke and Jack Pinnington Jones also suffered straight-set defeats in the opening round of qualifying. Oliver Crawford battled hard but lost 6-3 2-6 6-3 to Spain’s Daniel Merida Aguilar.
There were, however, positives for Arthur Fery and George Loffhagen. Fery beat Australia’s Edward Winter 6-2 6-4, while Loffhagen edged past Germany’s Justin Engel in two tight tie-breaks.
Players must progress through three qualifying rounds to reach the main draw, which begins on Sunday, 18 January.
British hopes in main draw
Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley are already assured places in the men’s main draw. In the women’s competition, Emma Raducanu, Francesca Jones and Sonay Kartal will also feature.
Katie Boulter, ranked 113th in the world, has secured a main draw spot after several withdrawals. It will be her third consecutive appearance at the Australian Open.
International qualifiers
Current women’s doubles world number two Taylor Townsend advanced to the second round after a dramatic comeback win over Japan’s Nao Hibino. Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens also progressed, claiming her first victory since Wimbledon 2024 after recovering from a foot injury.
Norrie continues strong form
Elsewhere, Cameron Norrie continued his preparations with a 6-3 6-4 win over Hugo Gaston at the Auckland Classic. The Briton will now face either Roberto Bautista Agut or Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the last 16.
Norrie, who grew up in Auckland, previously reached the final of the tournament in 2019 and 2023.
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