Weather Tonight: 4°c Partly Cloudy Night Morning: 8°c Cloudy

Sport

Dan Evans
Big chance: Dan Evans has impressed his Davis Cup team-mate Andy Murray

Rank-outsider Dan Evans carries the nation's hopes

Chris Jones
18 Sep 2009


Dan Evans today faces tennis's equivalent of a rugby hospital pass - trying to win a match as Britain's second choice Davis Cup singles player.

The world No302 will follow Andy Murray on court knowing his match will have a crucial bearing on the Euro/Africa zone group one relegaion play-off against Poland in Liverpool.

Murray is expected to have few problem against Polish No2 Michal Przysiezny, who languishes at No678 in the rankings. A victory by Evans over world No261 Jerzy Janowicz would leave Britain needing only one more win from the doubles and two reverse singles to claim victory.

Trying to secure a singles point for Britain has proved too much for a host of players in recent years, including Alan Mackin who won just two games in a match against Roger Federer and then heard the Swiss describe him as a "club player".

Arvind Parmar struggled to cope with the intense pressure to perform for his country and Alex Bogdanovic failed to live up to expectations on too many occasions.

Two years ago, Tim Henman, in his last Davis Cup tie, and Murray joined forces to beat Croatia 4-1 in a World group play-off at Wimbledon, only for that good work to be totally ruined with Britain having lost their three matches since then.

That brings us to Liverpool and Evans, who is making all the right noises. "As far as I'm concerned it was right to pick me," he said. "It's a challenge but I am capable of winning my matches.

"It's a boost to know that Andy wanted me in the team because you can come here and sometimes wonder if you're wanted, so it's nice."

Murray has been impressed by Evans and believes the 19-year-old will handle the challenge.

He said:"Before this week I didn't know Dan that well. I hadn't trained with him that much. I think he's much more mature and has fought hard in practice and got on well with the group.

"I haven't seen him play many matches or train that much, but this week's been good. Hopefully, he can keep that up."

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • Chris Robshaw to captain England for rest of Six Nations Chris Robshaw Chris Robshaw will lead England for the rest of the Six Nations after winning his two games as captain
  • Thierry Henry set for final game for Arsenal against AC Milan Thierry Henry Thierry Henry will play his final game for Arsenal at the San Siro with manager Arsene Wenger wishing he could stay for longer
  • I've played at Wembley, thanks to the JLS boys Phillips Idowu Phillips Idowu exclusive: JLS are a cool bunch of guys, I've got all their albums and I've followed them closely since The...
  • Chelsea stars say 'get Guus ­Hiddink in now' Guus ­Hiddink Senior Chelsea players want Guus ­Hiddink to return to Stamford Bridge as manager and save the club's season
  • Robin Van Persie has score to settle on his return to big stage Arsenal players Arsenal striker was harshly sent off this time last year but a brilliant run of form since has put him in a perfect position to put his...
  • England's luck is in as Charlie Hodgson leads the charge Charlie Hodgson Fly-half never gave up on Test career and that spirit is serving the team well
  • Shed tears for taxpayers not Rangers fans Rangers Ibrox Patrick Barclay: Administration is no fun for any club but it is still a relatively easy way out for the owners and...
  • Sean Dyche delighted with Valentine's Day victory for hard-working Watford Craig Forsyth Watford boss Sean Dyche hailed the Hornets' team spirit as they made it 10 points from 12 to continue their upward movement in the...
  • Alan Curbishley is No1 choice for Wolves Alan Curbishley Alan Curbishley is due to be interviewed for the job of Wolves manager
  • Javier Hernandez ready to embrace Europa League Javier Hernandez It might be a Thursday night on Channel Five - but Manchester United's clash with Ajax does sound like a Champions League game
  •