Dan Evans Sends a Clear Message to the Complaints Regarding Tennis Scheduling on the ATP Tour

Dan Evans has hit back on all the ATP stars who have lodged their complaints regarding tennis scheduling recently.

Dan Evans Sends a Clear Message to the Complaints Regarding Tennis Scheduling on the ATP Tour

Dan Evans (via The Tennis Letter)

Dan Evans has shared a strong message for top-ranked tennis players who have criticized the busy season schedule. Speaking before the ATP 500 event at Queen’s, he responded to complaints about the demanding calendar. Evans cautioned players to “be careful” when calling for fewer tournaments during the year.

In an interview with the BBC, Evans explained why a full schedule is vital for lower-ranked players. He said that cutting events would hurt those who rely on playing regularly to earn a living. The Brit emphasized that not everyone has the luxury to skip tournaments.

I think first and foremost, we’re in a privileged position. When I hear some players complain about the schedule, they don’t have to play every week. You don’t have to play. The reason they play is to get their bonus at the end of the year. We have a lot of work, which is a good thing. There are other people in the world struggling to find work. I think we have to be careful when we talk about a difficult schedule. We’re allowed to take weeks off; we’re independent contractors. We can take a week off.

Top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper have previously spoken about the intense demands of the tour. Alcaraz once joked that the long season could “kill” players. The calendar currently stretches across 11 months, leaving little room for rest.

Over the weekend, Evans addressed the issue again. He reminded players they have the option to skip events if needed. He brought it up once more after beating Frances Tiafoe in straight sets at Queen’s, marking his first win over a top-20 player since 2023.

Dan Evans hopes Andy Murray isn’t watching him at Queens

British star Dan Evans delighted the British crowd at Queen’s Club by defeating World No. 13 Frances Tiafoe in straight sets. The match ended 7-5, 6-2 in Evans’ favor, surprising many tennis fans. The win came as a shock, given his recent struggles on the ATP Tour. During his post-match interview, Evans joked that he hoped Andy Murray wasn’t watching.

Dan Evans
Dan Evans (via The Tennis Letter)

Not just mine, but the whole of British tennis. He always has time for everyone, and it’s fitting he has an arena named after him – hopefully he’s not watching and hearing me say that!.

Evans admitted he felt fortunate just to be competing at Queen’s Club. He has had a challenging year and seen his ranking drop significantly. Despite the tough period, he managed to pull off an impressive performance against a top player.

He was speaking at the newly renamed Andy Murray Arena, honoring the British legend’s five titles at the tournament. Evans spoke highly of Murray’s influence but seemed shy about being too complimentary.

The two once played doubles together, including at the 2024 Paris Olympics in what was Murray’s final tennis match. Evans reflected on that experience and the role Murray played in shaping his own career. Still, he laughed and hoped Murray hadn’t heard all the praise he gave.

Dan Evans takes down Frances Tiafoe

In a stunning upset, Dan Evans delivered a strong performance to defeat American seventh seed Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 6-2 at the Queen’s Club Championships. The 35-year-old Briton, currently ranked 199 in the world, made the most of his wildcard entry. It was his first win over a top-20 player since 2023, earning loud applause from the home crowd.

Dan Evans
Dan Evans (via The Tennis Letter)

Evans came from 4-5 down in the first set to win it 7-5. He then took full control in the second, stringing together five straight games. One key moment came when a lucky net cord helped him secure a second break to seal the match.

Holger Rune also progressed with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Christopher O’Connell. The Danish fourth seed, ranked ninth in the world, is aiming for his first title on grass ahead of Wimbledon. His best result at SW19 so far has been a quarter-final finish last year.

In other matches, Roberto Bautista Agut fought back to defeat Nuno Borges 6-7(6), 7-5, 6-4 after saving a match point. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Jakub Mensik beat Britain’s Cameron Norrie in three sets. The Czech player fired 20 aces and overcame two set points in the first set, much to the disappointment of the local fans.