Dan Evans stuck the boot into the Lawn Tennis Association for the “shambles” of the last month after his career came to an end with a 67-minute first-round loss in the Wimbledon men’s doubles.
Former British number one Evans revealed on June 11 his intention to retire following his home grand slam, but no fitting finale followed with the 36-year-old snubbed for wild cards into the singles at Queen’s Club and then in SW19.
A wild card was awarded to Evans for the doubles at the All England Club and he joined forces with Henry Searle, but the duo went down to ninth seeds Hugo Nys and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-2 6-4 in 67 mins on Court 15.
It was a low-key and underwhelming end for Evans after a roller-coaster career where he reached 21 in the world, won two ATP titles and represented Great Britain in Davis Cup with enormous pride before he partnered Andy Murray for his farewell at the Olympic Games in Paris two years ago.
The forthright right-hander from Birmingham has made clear his frustration at multiple points since his retirement announcement and expressed bemusement at the lack of dialogue with anyone from the LTA over his wild cards snub.
“It was obviously two extra players on the court than what I expected how it was going to finish,” Evans started a typically candid press conference. “I just don’t understand the reasoning and nobody has given me a decent reason.
“Nobody’s had the minerals or however you want to phrase it to come over from the governing body, who I think I have done plenty for, and given me an explanation. It’s certainly not (Wimbledon tournament director) Jamie Baker’s job to come and give me the reason why he didn’t give me a wild card.
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“I just think somebody (from the LTA) could have come and sit down and spoke. Like, jeez, they’re paid enough. Like that’s their job and that’s all. I enjoyed playing Davis Cup for my country more than I can tell you. It’s the best, the best thing ever, but the last month has been nothing short of a shambles from (the LTA).
"That’s the bottom line.”
Evans’ final foray at Wimbledon was alongside Searle, who has received coaching from his doubles partner.
A slow start from the pair enabled Nys and Roger-Vasselin to wrap up the first set in half an hour and despite a more competitive second set, Evans waved goodbye to the sport in the same way British compatriot Murray did in 2024 with defeat in the men’s doubles.
After Evans joked about Murray, he reflected on a long and distinguished career where he notably won the ATP 500 event Washington Open in 2023, once defeated Novak Djokovic in Monte Carlo and helped Great Britain to Davis Cup success in 2015.
“It’s a lot easier playing with Henry than Andy, I can tell you that,” Evans laughed. “Andy actually came into the changing rooms and said well done, so that was nice of him. No, I felt so much pressure playing with Andy… I never heard noise like that court when we were coming back (at the Olympics).
“I have enjoyed every time I stepped on court here. We’re extremely lucky to have this as our home grand slam. It was nice to finish playing with Henry. Someone with whom I have obviously started to work a lot and sort of developed a bit. It’s a pretty cool way to finish.
“In a strange way, I’m happy it’s over. The door closes, and then another chapter starts.”
