Farewell to Dan Evans, an irreverent genius of the kind that no longer exists

Carlos Navarro | 26 Jun 2026 | 14.42

Farewell to Daniel Evans, the 'Peaky Blinder' of tennis. Source: Getty

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Daniel Evans was one of the last magicians on the ATP tour. Lean, short, with a sometimes grumpy appearance... but with a flow of talent and magic that made the audience rise from their seats on several occasions. Known for his off-court statements, for his clashes with other players on the court, for that episode in his career where he tested positive for cocaine... but also for his great gesture with Andy Murray, bidding him farewell at the Olympic Games and sacrificing defending 500 points along the way, for his varied and authorial tennis, and for his irreverence and lack of fear in expressing what was on his mind, Dan Evans's story is that of a man who always remained true to himself in a professional career that turned into a roller coaster.

His career began with disagreements with the British Federation, which stopped providing him with financial support due to his lack of attitude and professionalism. It wouldn't be his last clash, in a rivalry that played out its final chapters at Wimbledon: despite Evans' constant willingness to help the national Davis Cup team (with whom he became champion in 2015), the LTA refused to grant him an invitation to the main draw of Wimbledon 2026, witnessing his final dance in the Roehampton exile, in the qualifying stages.

Dan Evans gives it everything but loses out in the second round of qualifying at @Wimbledon to bring his incredible singles career to a close.

Next up: doubles with Henry Searle at the Championships next week. pic.twitter.com/FBkgw6MpXc
— LTA (@the_LTA) June 24, 2026

Daniel Evans, an Irreverent Magician: This Is His Story

Evans was labeled as one of the greatest promises of world tennis, but his consistency and work ethic were never on par with his talent. When he found his way, he managed to enter the top-60 of the rankings and delivered one of the most outstanding performances of his career: at the US Open 2016, having match point against the eventual champion, a certain Stan Wawrinka. An unforgettable duel under the New York night that definitively propelled Stan's adventure in Flushing Meadows: perhaps, today it would be impossible to write his name on the trophy without that encounter.

Just when things were looking up, the addiction to cocaine put a halt to Dan's career. Suspended for over a year due to consumption, he himself acknowledged how he relied on the drug to sustain his peak tennis performances. This story, however, has a revitalizing element: approaching and entering his thirties, the Birmingham magician decided it was time to leave it all behind, focusing solely on giving 200% and seeing how far he could prove to himself that he always had what it took to go far.

The results spoke for themselves: two titles, in Melbourne and Washington (the latter being a 500-level event, the biggest of his career), a rise to the #21 spot in the ATP rankings, and a second week at the US Open. Dan became a regular presence in the major tournaments and maintained his place in the top-100 for several seasons, enriching the men's circuit with drops and doses of talent.

It was there that we realized the unorthodox nature of his style, of being a player almost on the verge of extinction: one-handed backhand, constant use of slice, changes of pace and direction, short angles, "drop shots" near the midcourt, serve and volley... it was counter-cultural to see such a small guy display such old-school tennis, even more so in a circuit shifting towards the power of giants moving at the back with the strength and explosiveness of men their size. His final strokes also aimed to showcase his camaraderie on the circuit: he offered to compete in the Olympic Games alongside Andy Murray, in the doubles category, to allow Dunblane's last dance, even though it would mean losing the 500 points from the Washington tournament (played on the same dates) and a total collapse in the rankings.

Dan never recovered from that, and perhaps his story deserved a much happier ending. At least an ovation, in a place where he always felt at home: Wimbledon being the stage of the final chapter of a story with not always a positive script, with unexpected twists, paths of redemption, clashes, and forgiveness. A movie seal for the 'Peaky Blinder' who illuminated the locker room with a timeless style of tennis. See you soon, Evo!

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Adiós a Dan Evans, un genio irreverente de los que ya no quedan

Daniel Evans