Dan Evans stated why he’s with the ATP, men’s professional tennis’s governing body, rather than Novak Djokovic’s Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA).
Evans, 32, lost in straight sets against fifth seed Andrey Rublev in the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday, January 21. Rublev lost four games in a close first set on Margaret Court Arena. The Russian conceded only five more games in the encounter to return to the second week at Melbourne Park for the first time in two years.
Rublev, 25, crushed Evans with 60 winners and near-perfect first-strike tennis. The Brit has already lost in the Australian Open third round twice.
Evans was asked why he never attended a PTPA meeting in his post-match press conference. The Brit replied curtly that he wants no confrontation between the ATP and PTPA and that he thinks the ATP is performing well enough.
“ATP-aligned. They do well. I don’t go because I’m satisfied and appreciate what they do for us. Conflict isn’t good here. We’re combining men’s and women’s tennis, not another organization “said.
He lauded the ATP’s performance.
“I like Andrea Gaudenzi’s vision. It sounded terrific at the ATP meetings. Good numbers. I like everything “Evans said.
Dan Evans is 3-4 after losing two of his three United Cup matches and falling in the first round of the Adelaide 2 International.
“He has a decent chance”—Dan Evans on Andrey Rublev going deep at Australian Open
2023 Australian Open Day 6: Dan Evans
Dan Evans believes his defeated opponent will advance at the Australian Open. Evans felt Rublev was “solid” and may capitalise on a tie in his post-match press conference.
“Isn’t he one of the top seeds? If he keeps that mindset, he could. I hung around hoping he would blow up, but he didn’t today. He stood firm. He has a chance if he plays like that and stays consistent. He’s attractive, “Brit said.
On Sunday, January 22nd, Rublev will face ninth seed Holger Rune to reach the Australian Major’s final eight.
