LONDON — Former British number one Dan Evans marked a triumphant return to Wimbledon, securing his first victory at the All England Club in four years with a hard-fought win over compatriot Jay Clarke in the first round.
A Long-Awaited Return to Form
Evans, who had struggled with injuries and form since his last Wimbledon appearance in 2019, delivered a composed performance to defeat Clarke 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The 33-year-old Birmingham native showcased his trademark variety and court craft, mixing deft drop shots with precise baseline play to outmaneuver his younger opponent. "Today meant everything," Evans said in his post-match interview. "It’s been a tough few years, but to be back here and winning feels incredible."
The victory marked Evans’ first win at Wimbledon since 2019, when he reached the third round before falling to João Sousa. Since then, injuries and a dip in form saw him drop outside the top 100, but a strong grass-court season leading into Wimbledon—including a semifinal run at the ATP 250 event in Nottingham—signaled a resurgence.
Key Moments of the Match
Evans, seeded 27th, controlled the match from the outset, breaking Clarke’s serve early in each set. His ability to dictate play with his backhand slice and timely net approaches kept Clarke on the defensive. Clarke, a wildcard entry ranked outside the top 200, fought valiantly but struggled to match Evans’ consistency.
- First Set: Evans broke in the third game and held serve to take the set 6-4.
- Second Set: Another early break gave Evans the edge, and he closed it out with a love hold.
- Third Set: Clarke saved three match points at 5-3, but Evans sealed the win on his serve.
Clarke, 24, had moments of brilliance, particularly with his forehand, but errors at critical junctures cost him. "Jay played well, but I stayed calm and stuck to my game plan," Evans said. "It’s never easy playing a Brit at Wimbledon, but I’m happy with how I handled it."
The Road Ahead
Evans will face either France’s Quentin Halys or Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round. A potential third-round clash with 10th seed Frances Tiafoe looms, but Evans remains focused on the immediate challenge. "I’m just taking it one match at a time," he said. "Grass suits my game, and I’m feeling good."
His recent form on grass has been encouraging, with wins over top-50 players in Nottingham and Eastbourne. Coach Sebastian Prieto has been instrumental in refining Evans’ serve and net play, key components of his success this season.
A Boost for British Tennis
Evans’ win was a bright spot for British tennis on Day 1 of Wimbledon, with Cameron Norrie and Andy Murray also advancing. The home crowd rallied behind Evans, whose gritty style and emotional celebrations resonated with fans. "The support here is unreal," Evans said. "It makes a huge difference when you hear the crowd behind you."
With Emma Raducanu sidelined due to injury, Evans and Murray carry British hopes in the singles draws. Evans, now ranked 30th, is determined to make the most of his opportunity. "I’ve worked hard to get back here," he said. "I want to keep going as far as I can."
Conclusion: A Moment to Cherish
For Evans, this victory was more than just a first-round win—it was a validation of his perseverance through injuries and setbacks. His emotional reaction after match point underscored what the moment meant to him. "It’s been a long road," he admitted. "But days like this make it all worth it."
As he moves forward in the tournament, Evans will look to build on this momentum. His blend of experience and renewed confidence makes him a dangerous opponent on grass. For now, though, he’s savoring the victory. "I’ll enjoy tonight," he said with a smile. "Then it’s back to work tomorrow."