Fiery Dan Evans Wins Battle of the Brits
Locker Room
June 28, 2020
Dan Evans exerted relentless pressure on Kyle Edmund to claim the Battle of the Brits singles title in Roehampton.
It was a fitting end to a marvellous week in London. Now we just can’t wait for Wimbledon 2021
Evans showed a passion without compare. He chased down everything. He never let Edmund find any forehand rhythm.
Drop shots and slices. Aggressive strokeplay. Evans wanted it more than anyone else.
He was fitter and hungrier. Always more dynamic. The Midlander won every singles match he played all week. He never stopped willing himself on.
No matter that Evans is only 5ft 9ins tall and had lost all three previous matches to the big Yorkshireman.
The British number one triumphed 6-3, 6-2 in the final here. He could barely put a foot wrong by the end.
A delighted Evans said: ‘It was literally like a tour event. All the players have lived it and been raving about the tournament.
‘It’s been a long week and a great week and hopefully we can do it all again.’
Jamie Murray gave “Evo” the singles trophy after echoing all our thoughts: ‘It’s been a lot of fun to put on a tennis event again. There has been a lot of energy all week. Back to normal tennis soon, we hope.’
Back to Wimbledon next year.
In the doubles final on Saturday night, Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski hit back from an embarrassing bagel to beat the impressive Evans and Lloyd Glasspool 0-6, 6-2, 10-6.
Jamie looked determined to prevent Evans from beating both Murray brothers in the same day. Andy had fallen to the same opppnent in the singles semi-final earlier on Saturday.
It was Jamie’s tournament and along with Skupski, he earned the right to take his cup home.
The elder Murray brother admitted it was ‘weird to be presenting myself with the trophy.’
Evans paid tribute to the Tournament Director straight away.
‘Cheers Jamie, it’s really been a massive help after a pretty tough time for everybody in the country and I’ve really enjoyed it.’
Everyone enjoyed live tennis again. And how we loved watching Andy Murray rediscover the sort of movement that will be a launchpad for his return to the top.
It all looks so good for Wimbledon 2021 now.
London knows how to put on a great tournament. Jamie Murray just showed as much.
The big one will come round again sooner than we think.