(VIDEO) "My wrist literally broke": Dan Evans retires in Guangzhou shocker

Dan Evans’ campaign at the Guangzhou Huangpu International Tennis Open ended in bizarre fashion on Friday when he retired from his quarterfinal against Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerúndolo while leading 6-4, 2-1. The British veteran, who had played some of his best tennis in recent weeks, suddenly threw his racket to the floor, complained of a wrist injury, and conceded the match despite being in control of the scoreline.

Evans, 35, had been making a solid run in the Chinese Challenger after defeating home favourite Charles Chen in the opening round and then overcoming fellow Brit Oliver Crawford to reach the last eight. Against Cerúndolo, he looked poised to progress to the semifinals and continue rebuilding his ranking after slipping to world No. 217 earlier this year. Instead, the match took an unexpected turn that left fans and officials stunned.

The drama began in the second set, when Evans grew furious over a line call. The umpire ruled a Cerúndolo shot as just inside the baseline, while Evans was adamant it was out. The Brit, visibly frustrated, gestured with his fingers to show how far he thought the ball had missed the line and shouted at the official: “The ball is this far out. You can see it? Trying your best again? No! He’s [Cerúndolo] saying sorry to me, he’s saying sorry, you understand that.” The heated exchange drew mixed reactions from the crowd, and Evans even snapped back at a spectator with: “Thank you, you are as well.”

Although Evans still managed to break Cerúndolo’s serve in that game, the tension never left him. Shortly afterwards, he slammed his racket down in frustration, only to claim that the impact had left him with a serious injury. He approached the umpire and insisted, “My wrist literally broke.” Moments later, Evans shook hands with Cerúndolo, conceding the contest and walking off court with visible pain and anger.

Evans had already received a code violation for his earlier outburst, but the bigger problem was physical. After the racket smash, he attempted to continue briefly, even trying to play one-handed, before finally accepting he could not go on. The announcement of his retirement shocked the crowd, who had expected a competitive finish given Evans’ lead and his solid form.

The Brit’s comments left uncertainty over the exact nature of the injury. Whether it was a genuine break or a painful strain, scans will be required to determine the severity. For Evans, it is an untimely setback, as the Guangzhou Challenger had offered a prime opportunity to collect valuable ranking points and rebuild confidence.

Cerúndolo, meanwhile, benefitted from Evans’ misfortune. The Argentine advances to the semifinals, where he will face another Brit, Billy Harris. Harris has impressed throughout the tournament with his big serve and steady composure, setting up an intriguing battle of styles. On the other side of the draw, Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, who has been one of the standout players of the season, will face Australia’s Christopher O’Connell for a place in the final.

For Evans, the main question now is how long he will be sidelined. At 35, every injury layoff makes it harder to regain rhythm and ranking points. He entered Guangzhou looking to build momentum, and instead leaves with frustration, injury doubts, and a viral video that tennis fans around the world are already replaying.