Both players are giving it their all here, deep in this second 💪 Dan Evans looks lively as he looks to get himself back in this match #DavisCup
Great Britain’s Davis Cup renewal: Evans contemplates retirement post-Canada defeat
ATPMonday, 16 September 2024 at 05:30
Dan Evans and Jack Draper suffered defeats that knocked Great Britain out of the Davis Cup against Canada. The European team faces a turning point in their Davis Cup squad following the retirement of Andy Murray, the team’s main figure for almost 20 years.
Dan Evans ponders Davis Cup retirement
Evans hinted at a possible retirement from the Davis Cup at 34 years old and ranked outside the top 150, while Draper, 22, is only playing his second series in the tournament and is expected to lead the British team's transition.
Evans’ potential retirement from Team Great Britain could be a significant loss, having played 41 Davis Cup matches between 2009 and 2024. Captain Leon Smith commented that he would speak with Evans about his future in the team "in a couple of days." Smith added, "I've done this for 14 years, and he's been in the majority of the squads, played huge important ties, and achieved some amazing moments."
The British team had a strong start against Finland, with Evans defeating Eero Vasa, followed by Billy Harris' (23 years old) victorious debut against Otto Virtanen. The Finns won the doubles, with Heliövaara and Virtanen defeating Evans and Neal Skupski.
Dan Evans and Andy Murray at Olympic Games.
However, in the second series, the British team suffered two singles losses against Argentina. First, Evans fell to Tomás Martín Etcheverry (No. 26), and then Jack Draper (No. 20) was beaten by Francisco Cerúndolo (No. 31). Evans and Skupski won the doubles, reducing the series deficit to 1-2 against the South Americans.
In the final series, the Brits needed a 3-0 victory but lost both singles matches. Former World No. 10 Denis Shapovalov (No. 100) defeated Evans, followed by Félix Auger-Aliassime beating Draper, both in straight sets. The doubles win only added respectability to the final score, allowing Canada to advance as group leaders and Argentina to secure second place and qualify for the Finals.
Despite playing three singles matches (1-2) and two doubles matches (1-1), Evans is considering ending his Davis Cup career. "I've thought about it long and hard. I'll have to think a little more," Evans told BBC Sport. "I love competing for my country. I've loved every minute of it, but sometimes you've got to know when to leave."
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Evans was in the top 50 until April this year, but a string of defeats caused his ranking to slide. The 32-year-old decided to participate in the Olympic Games, partnering with Andy Murray in his final tournament, which prevented him from defending his ATP 500 DC Open title. The loss of points has dropped him to World No. 178: "It will be a difficult decision, but sometimes it's nice to give somebody else the opportunity and watch from afar," Evans added.
"His ranking has gone down, so he's got a lot to consider—what's best for him right now and what he needs to have a successful year next year," Leon Smith told BBC Sport. "Whatever happens, he's been an amazing servant for us."
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