The 36-year-old defeated Bolivia’s Juan Carlos Prado Angelo 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 in the opening round of Wimbledon qualifying at Roehampton on Monday. Evans must now win two more matches to secure a place in the main draw at SW19 after being overlooked for one of the tournament’s eight men’s singles wildcards.
Evans rejects wildcard motivation narrative
Earlier this month, Evans had expressed frustration after not receiving a wildcard for the Queen’s Club Championships, describing it as a gesture that would have been appreciated. However, he dismissed suggestions that the Wimbledon decision has fuelled his performances.
“I play tennis for myself, not to prove other people wrong and I’ve done that throughout my career,” Evans said after his victory.
The veteran added that he remains grateful to the All England Club for awarding him a doubles wildcard alongside Henry Searle, a young British player he has been mentoring since January.
“It’s neither here nor there if they gave me a wildcard. I love the tournament, but I am no more motivated to win matches here because I didn’t get the wildcard,” he said.
Emotional challenge of retirement
Evans recently announced that he will retire after this year’s Wimbledon Championships, bringing the curtain down on a career that saw him reach a career-high ranking of world No. 21 and win two ATP Tour titles.
The former British number one admitted the decision to retire has made recent matches emotionally challenging.
“I was very nervous at the start and especially at the end,” Evans said.
“I made the decision and I’m happy with that, but I’m not going to lie, in the matches on the grass it’s been difficult to keep my mind on the job.”
Despite those emotions, Evans was pleased with how he handled the occasion in front of a packed crowd at Roehampton.
One step closer to Wimbledon
Currently ranked 297th in the world, Evans has reached the third round at Wimbledon on three occasions and was part of Britain’s victorious Davis Cup team in 2015.
His next challenge will be Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate, the 28th seed in qualifying, who defeated Britain’s Johannus Monday 7-5, 6-3.
Elsewhere, British players Billy Harris and Oliver Tarvet also progressed to the second round of qualifying. Harris beat Italy’s Stefano Napolitano 6-2, 6-2, while Tarvet overcame Australia’s Alex Bolt 7-6 (7-3), 7-5.
Wimbledon begins on 29 June, and Evans remains two wins away from earning one final singles appearance at the tournament he has long cherished.
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