Carlos Alcaraz Faces Defiant Brit Dan Evans at Flushing Meadows
US Open
September 1, 2023
Carlos Alcaraz knows his next opponent at the US Open isn’t going to go quietly.
And Dan Evans realises the chance to play the world number one – probably on Arthur Ashe on Saturday night – is a moment to be cherished.
Don’t forget that Evans recently won the Citi Open in Washington DC – and his confidence is sky-high. Carlitos won’t have the entire showdown his own way at Flushing Meadows.
It’s a match-up that also whets the appetite for what we can expect to see in London next summer.
Carlos Alcaraz playing a Brit on Centre Court at Wimbledon 2024 would be truly thrilling!
But Dan often thrives on American soil – and he won’t be overawed by the occasion in New York.
His defiance and dry humour were evident as he acknowledged: ‘It’s a very difficult draw and it’s a little annoying to have him in the draw. But it is what it is.
‘It will be a good match. I’m really looking forward to it and will play aggressively. There’s been a few upsets on that court before.’
Evans believes he can learn from their semi-final in Barcelona, a defeat which actually gives him a little confidence against Carlos Alcaraz.
Dan The Man explained: ‘I played a good match in Barcelona this year on his favourite surface and he played well obviously. I have some insight into how he will play.’
Evans made a slow start in his last match against big Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp. But he soon shifted through the gears to prevail 1-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3.
Meanwhile Alcaraz marched on once more – and hasn’t looked too troubled by his opponents so far.
South African Lloyd Harris did look competitive early on – and came close to taking the third set in the Spaniard’s 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) victory. But Alcaraz did what he needed to do to secure the straight sets victory.
Evans admitted: ‘He will obviously be the overwhelming favourite. But it’s a good opportunity to play a very good tennis player on a big stage. That is why you play tennis.’
And Evans isn’t the only Brit making waves in New York. Jack Draper also notched a sensational victory over 17th seed Hubert Hurkacz, winning 6-2, 6-4, 7-5. He faces American Michael Mmoh next.
Cameron Norrie also won through, easing the British pain felt following Andy Murray’s disappointing slump against the sweet-moving Bulgarian, Grigor Dimitrov.
And Katie Boulter showed more courage to defeat Wang Yafan 5-7, 6-1, 6-4, despite squandering numerous first-set chances. How far can she go?
Grand Slams are always fascinating occasions. And we enjoy imagining what developments at the other majors will likely mean for the greatest of them all – Wimbledon 2024.
Carlos Alcaraz will be surely be waiting to face Dan Evans, Jack Draper or any other battling Brits who fancy their chances at Wimbledon 2024. That should make for a scintillating atmosphere on Centre Court!
Huge names against local heroes create moments to treasure. Will you come to Wimbledon 2024 to savour all the glamour and history at the home of tennis?