Dan Evans Downs Frances Tiafoe in Big Early Shock at Queen’s
Locker Room
June 16, 2025
Dan Evans has pulled off a remarkable result at Queen’s – one that will remind us all what he can do.
He may be 35 now, but Evans was showing all the grass court craft against the uncomfortable American in London.
Dan the Man has never been beyond the third round at Wimbledon before. But he grew up on grass courts at Solihull in Birmingham.
And you never know when all that experience on this tricky surface is going to bear fruit for the wily Midlander.
Dan Evans might just have one last decent run in him if he receives a wild card for the All England Club and Wimbledon 2025.
His speed around the court on Monday seemed to belong more rightfully to a much younger man.
Defoe put up a fair fight in the first set. But Evans was later defiant with his defensive work on the baseline as he closed in on victory.
The brutal forehand he unleashed deep into the corner as he drew us closer to the climax of this intriguing affair was a delight to behold.
Defoe looked out of sorts and seemed to have accepted his fate by the end. But for Evans to land this impressive 7-5, 6-2 win – completed with a ruthless little drop volley – is quite an achievement.
Dan Evans didn’t really give his better known adversary a chance at Queen’s. Neither did he give the 27-year-old too much respect.
The Brit said after his first top twenty win since 2023: ‘Thank you to the crowd. It’s always amazing to play here. I got the wild card to come out here.
‘I didn’t know he (Tiafoe) was top twenty. I knew he was very good. I’m happy to play.’
The American is one of the best known players in the world. He may not appreciate the relative anonymity he has in Evans’ mind.
Experienced Tiafoe has reached the fourth round at Wimbledon before – and may yet gain momentum in England.
Frances Tiafoe and Dan Evans will command plenty of attention at Wimbledon 2025 if they are both given the platform to do so.
Evans is only just inside the top 200 these days. He can take nothing for granted with regard to Wimbledon. But this is a performance that will make influential people sit up and take notice.
Will you come to Wimbledon 2025 to see all the drama unfold? Expect shocks aplenty there too.
We’re waiting to hear from you – and ready to meet your needs on Wimbledon’s historic Centre Court or the equally enjoyable No1 Court.