LONDON — British tennis star Dan Evans caused a major upset at the Cinch Championships at Queen's Club, defeating top-seeded Taylor Fritz in a thrilling three-set match. After the victory, Evans humorously remarked that he "hoped Andy Murray wasn't watching" his performance, referencing his fellow Brit and former world No. 1.
The 34-year-old Evans, ranked No. 49 in the world, pulled off a stunning 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Fritz, the world No. 12, in front of a jubilant home crowd. The win marked Evans' first top-20 victory of the season and his first at Queen's since 2019. Post-match, he joked about Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion, who has been vocal about his high standards for British tennis.
Evans' Lighthearted Remark About Murray
Evans, known for his dry wit, quipped in his on-court interview, "I hope Andy wasn’t watching—he’d have been tearing his hair out!" The comment drew laughter from the audience, as Murray has often been critical of British players' performances, including Evans', in the past.
Murray, who is currently recovering from back surgery, has been an outspoken advocate for higher standards in British tennis. Evans later clarified, "It’s all in good fun. Andy’s been a great mentor, but he definitely keeps us on our toes."
A Tactical Masterclass Against Fritz
Evans' victory was built on a mix of tactical brilliance and mental resilience. Known for his crafty slice and net play, he frustrated Fritz with his variety, forcing the American into uncharacteristic errors. Key moments included:
- Breaking Fritz in the opening set with a perfectly disguised drop shot.
- Saving three break points in the decisive third set.
- Closing the match with a fearless serve-and-volley play.
Fritz, the 2022 Queen's champion, admitted afterward, "Dan played the big points better. He’s tricky on grass, and today he was just too good."
What This Means for Evans' Season
The win provides a much-needed boost for Evans, who has struggled for consistency in 2024. Before Queen's, he had only won back-to-back matches once this year. With Wimbledon just weeks away, this performance could signal a return to form at the perfect time.
Evans acknowledged, "It’s been a tough year, but wins like this remind me why I keep pushing. Grass suits my game, and I want to make the most of it."
Murray's Influence on British Tennis
While Evans joked about Murray’s scrutiny, he also credited the three-time Grand Slam champion for raising the bar for British players. Murray’s success has inspired a generation, including Evans, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 21 in 2023.
British No. 2 Jack Draper, who also advanced at Queen's, echoed Evans' sentiments, saying, "Andy’s set the standard. We all want to make him proud, even if he’s tough on us sometimes!"
Looking Ahead
Evans will next face Brandon Nakashima in the quarterfinals, with a potential semifinal clash against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz looming. A deep run at Queen's would not only boost his confidence but also improve his seeding for Wimbledon.
As for Murray, Evans laughed, "I’m sure he’ll have some notes for me—hopefully more praise than criticism this time!"
The victory was a reminder of Evans' talent and his ability to thrive on grass. Whether Murray was watching or not, British tennis fans certainly enjoyed the show.