“It would have been a classy gesture”: Dan Evans hits out over Queen’s wildcard decision

Dan Evans has expressed disappointment over the wildcard decisions made during his final professional season, suggesting it would have been a “classy gesture” for organisers to support him in his retirement campaign. The 36-year-old Brit is set to retire at Wimbledon later this month, pending confirmation of a potential wildcard from the All England Club.

The former world No. 21 has described parts of his farewell tour as frustrating, particularly his omission from the main draw at Queen’s Club. Despite a career that includes a Davis Cup title in 2015 and a peak ranking inside the top 25, Evans was forced into qualifying at Queen’s, where he ultimately lost to Marcos Giron in three sets.

Now ranked No. 244, Evans has questioned the balance between rewarding emerging British players and recognising long-term contributors to national tennis. He noted that while he understands selection decisions, he felt his case was overlooked during what he considers the closing stage of his career.

He is still awaiting a decision on a Wimbledon wildcard, having already entered qualifying based on ranking eligibility. Evans has also reflected on a disrupted season shaped by injury and limited match play, which he says has influenced both his physical condition and retirement decision.

Evans’ main criticism centres on his exclusion from the Queen’s Club main draw, where he believed his recent history and experience warranted consideration. He argued that the decision overlooked both his contribution to British tennis and his 2024 run to the round of 16 at the event.

“I think wildcards are a good thing for Brits," the 36-year-old player said. "I would say you hope to do enough years of service for your country to maybe get one in your last tournament at Queen’s, but that wasn't the way they went. They went with some younger guys, and that's their prerogative.”

Evans also said the decision “would have been a classy gesture to give me a wildcard,” adding that he was “a bit perplexed that the LTA didn't offer me one into main draw,” particularly given his prior results at the event.

“I entered the qualifying here myself, and I got in last minute. I was offered a wildcard into qualifying here. I was a bit perplexed that the LTA didn't offer me one into main draw, myself, I obviously made [round of 16] last year. It would have helped me a lot to get a few more days of preparation to start main draw, but again, that's up to them, the powers that be.”

Evans’ 2025 season has been heavily affected by injury, including a wrist issue sustained during a Challenger event in Guangzhou that ended his campaign prematurely. The disruption has limited his match schedule, with Queen’s qualifying representing only his fifth tournament of the season.

He has linked his reduced activity directly to his decision to retire, stating that physical limitations have become increasingly difficult to manage at tour level. “I’ve been injured, and that's the reason I'm obviously retiring, because my body hasn't been great, and I no longer want to put myself through the training.”

The Brit has now turned his attention to Wimbledon, where he has applied for a wildcard from the All England Club. While his ranking allows entry into qualifying, he remains hopeful of direct main-draw support for what would be his final appearance at the tournament. “I've applied via the All England Club," he said. "If they give me one or not, it's not up to me. I'm obviously a temporary member there, so I hope that helps.

"I use the club during the year. Again, I feel I've done plenty of time helping British tennis, off the court, and on the court, so I hope to get one. But I'm well capable, I'm in off my own ranking into qualifying, and I'm capable of qualifying.”

“I think what some people have forgotten is, you know, I'm a professional tennis player, and I wouldn't be playing if I wasn't prepared or ready to play or fit to play. And that's the thing which is very frustrating at the minute, is that because I've helped another Brit whilst I've been injured, I don't feel like I've been taken seriously.”

Beyond the current controversy, Evans reflected on his broader career, particularly his role in Britain’s Davis Cup success in 2015. His comments also revisited his experience partnering Andy Murray at the 2024 Olympic Games, which he described as one of the most meaningful weeks of his career. “Did I [play a part in Murray’s retirement]? I don't know,” the former world No. 21 said. “That was one of the best weeks in tennis which I've had. I really enjoyed it.

"I loved playing the Olympics. It was an amazing experience. Like I said in my post, playing for my country was the best thing, full stop. Regardless of what I did personally.”

He reiterated his long-standing support for national representation, although he acknowledged a degree of reconsideration following recent events. “I enjoyed it, Davis Cup and Olympics, and I would always endorse playing for your country, never missing a Davis Cup tie, if you're asked. Well, that was my stance on it until this week, so it will maybe calm down a bit and doesn't give you much, does it?”