Dan Evans played the final singles match of his career on Wednesday, losing to Tristan Schoolkate 7-5, 6-0 in the second round of Wimbledon qualifying.
“Obviously I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, so I’ve had plenty of time to get my head around it,” Evans said in an interview with the BBC. “I’m happy with my decision. I knew it was time and I’m looking forward to what’s next…. Today is the end, but it’s all fun memories.”
The 36-year-old Brit peaked at No. 21 in the world as recently as 2023. At the 2024 U.S. Open, Evans won the longest match in tournament history — beating Karen Khachanov 6-7(6), 7-6(2), 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-4 in five hours and 35 minutes after trailing 0-4, 15-40 in the fifth set. Evans won two ATP titles and reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam twice (2017 Australian Open, 2021 U.S. Open). His best Wimbledon result was the third round (2016, 2019, 2021).
Evans announced his pending retirement via a social media post earlier this month.
“After an incredible journey, I wanted to share some personal news with you all,” he wrote on Instagram. “I will be retiring from professional tennis following this year’s Wimbledon championships. This sport has given me everything. The friendships, the experiences, the battles and even the hard days were special in hindsight. I have loved every single minute of being a professional tennis player. To my parents, my wife and my family, thank you for your unwavering support through every high and low. None of this would have been possible without your support.
Evans controversially did not receive a main-draw wild card for the final tournament of his career. Those went to Grigor Dimitrov, Stan Wawrinka, Jake Fearnley, Arthur Fery, Jack Pinnington Jones, Toby Samuel, Felix Gill, and Harry Wendelken. Evans has a doubles main-draw wild card with partner Henry Searle.