Dan Evans has clarified that being denied a singles wildcard for Wimbledon has not provided him with additional incentive during the qualifying rounds. The 36-year-old tennis player, who plans to retire after this year’s tournament, secured a victory over Juan Carlos Prado Angelo in his opening match at Roehampton.
Although Evans received a doubles wildcard to partner with Henry Searle, he must navigate three qualifying rounds to earn a spot in the singles main draw. Addressing reports that the exclusion spurred him on, Evans stated that his focus remains on his own performance rather than proving a point to the All England Club. He expressed gratitude for the doubles opportunity and noted he is content to compete through the qualification process.
Reflecting on his career, which includes a Davis Cup title in 2015 and reaching the third round of Wimbledon three times, Evans admitted to feeling significant nerves during his match against Prado Angelo. He will face Tristan Schoolkate in the next round as he continues his final campaign.