TORONTO — British tennis star Dan Evans delivered a brutal response to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina after the Spaniard complained about the scheduling at the Canadian Open, shutting down his grievances with a savage retort that left fans buzzing.
The drama unfolded after Davidovich Fokina, who lost to Evans in a grueling three-set match, took to social media to vent his frustration about playing late into the night. The 24-year-old claimed the late finish affected his recovery, but Evans wasted no time in firing back with a blunt reality check.
Davidovich Fokina's Late-Night Complaint
Davidovich Fokina, ranked No. 37 in the world, posted on X (formerly Twitter) after his 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 defeat to Evans, writing: "Playing until 3 AM is not healthy for players. We need better scheduling." His complaint quickly gained traction, with some fans sympathizing while others dismissed it as sour grapes.
The match, which started just before midnight due to earlier rain delays, concluded at 2:50 AM local time. While late finishes are not uncommon in tennis, Davidovich Fokina argued that the ATP should prioritize player welfare. However, Evans, known for his no-nonsense attitude, wasn’t having it.
Evans' Savage Clapback
Evans, never one to mince words, responded directly to Davidovich Fokina’s post with a biting message: "You lost. Get over it. Everyone deals with the same conditions." The reply instantly went viral, with fans praising Evans for his blunt honesty.
The 33-year-old Brit, who has built a reputation for his fiery on-court demeanor, doubled down in his post-match press conference, saying: "It’s part of the job. If you don’t like it, maybe find another profession. We all knew the schedule, and we all had to deal with it. No excuses."
Fan Reactions Split
The exchange sparked a heated debate among tennis fans. Some sided with Davidovich Fokina, arguing that late-night matches are detrimental to player health and performance. Others, however, backed Evans, pointing out that adaptability is a crucial part of professional sports.
- "Evans is right—no one forced him to play tennis. Suck it up." — @TennisFan123
- "Late finishes are ridiculous. The ATP needs to fix this." — @SportsHealthAdvocate
- "Love Evans’ honesty. No room for whining in elite sports." — @NoNonsenseTennis
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t the first time scheduling has been a hot topic in tennis. The US Open, in particular, has faced criticism for its late-night matches, with players like Andy Murray and Novak Djokvoic previously voicing concerns. However, Evans’ stance highlights a divide in player perspectives—some demand change, while others accept it as part of the grind.
Davidovich Fokina, who has yet to respond to Evans’ jab, has been known for his emotional outbursts on court. Earlier this year, he smashed multiple rackets during a match, earning a fine. His latest complaint adds to his reputation as a player who wears his heart on his sleeve—for better or worse.
What’s Next for Evans?
Evans, meanwhile, advanced to the next round, where he faced a tough challenge against top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz. When asked if the late finish affected him, he smirked and said: "Nope. I’ll be ready. That’s what professionals do." His unapologetic attitude continues to make him one of the most polarizing—and entertaining—figures in tennis.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Dan Evans isn’t here to coddle anyone. Whether you love him or hate him, his brutal honesty is a refreshing dose of reality in a sport often dominated by PR-trained responses.