"It’s coming towards the end of my career": Daniel Evans anticipates career end as he competes at DC Open

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 at 18:30

Dan Evans is anticipating the end of his career as he competes at the DC Open this week, a tournament where he secured his sole ATP 500 title. The 35-year-old Brit won the title back in 2023, defeating Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets in the final.

Evans has found good results this week, securing victories against Zizou Bergs (3-6, 6-4, 6-3) and the 13th seed Alex Michelsen (6-4, 6-4). The left-hander was once touted as one of Britain's great talents, with a technique that makes him stand out on Tour, a versatile and unpredictable game, and excellent net play and touch. He is one of the few one-handed backhand players who has maintained a place at the highest level in recent years.

However, injuries have plagued Evans over the past couple of seasons. While he reached his career-high ranking of world No. 21 in 2023, he had a long absence from the Tour in 2024, causing him to drop out of the top 150 for several months.

Just a couple of months ago, he was even outside the top 200, although he has managed in recent weeks – especially during the grass-swing – to climb positions in the ranking to No. 144. At this point, ranking is surely not a priority for Evans, who acknowledges that he is preparing for the end of his career.

Evans finds significant wins at DC Open

Evans started his run at the DC Open on a strong note with a victory over Bergs. This was a significant win for the Brit, who received a wildcard to enter the tournament and secured his first tour-level hardcourt win since October 2024, after two hours and 29 minutes.

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The second-round match against Michelsen provided a confidence-boosting win after a couple of seasons far from his best level. "I’ve always said even when I was solidified in the Top 30, Top 40, that winning on this Tour is never easy,” Evans told the official ATP Tour website. “The best part about winning on the Tour is now going to the bike to warm down and be with the people who work with you day in and day out.

“Sometimes we take it for granted, but the last year — or two years — has been difficult and I definitely enjoy it and cherish every moment I get on these courts because it’s coming towards the end of my career, there’s no hiding from that.”

Dan Evans at Challenger Nottingham Open 2022. He won his 9th Challenger title.

Evans has already guaranteed an 18-position jump in the ranking – to No. 126 – and is preparing to face the French talent Corentin Moutet, a match that promises much in terms of the unpredictability of two players who deviate from the traditional style seen week after week on the Tour.

Dan Evans: A decade of dedication

The former world No. 21 became the British No. 1 in October 2019, taking over from Kyle Edmund, and held the position as leader of British tennis for two years. He was the 13th British No. 1 since the start of the Open Era in 1973 and was replaced by Cameron Norrie in September 2021.

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Evans has battled injuries for long stretches of his career. Despite being touted as one of the great talents of his generation in his early years, he only found consistency on the Tour around 2019, making constant Grand Slam appearances and securing several victories. He has two appearances in the fourth round of major tournaments, in addition to two Masters 1000 semifinal appearances.

The Brit failed in his first two professional finals in 2017 and 2019, and only secured his first title at the Murray River Open in 2021, defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final. Evans became an ATP tournament champion for the first time at 30 years old. Two years later, he triumphed at the Washington DC Open, a well-deserved prize for a player who always provides entertainment and who reached the top 25 just a couple of years ago.

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Dan Sevens 🙌

2023 champion Dan Evans edges Michelsen 6-4 6-4 for his seventh consecutive win at #MubadalaCitiDCOpen pic.twitter.com/w9f0OWO3ix
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 23, 2025

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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