'It’s coming towards the end of my career': Daniel Evans anticipates career end as he competes at DC Open

Dan Evans is anticipating the end of his career as he competes at the DC Open this week, a tournament where he secured his sole ATP 500 title. The 35-year-old Brit won the title back in 2023, defeating Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets in the final.

Evans has found good results this week, securing victories against Zizou Bergs (3-6, 6-4, 6-3) and the 13th seed Alex Michelsen (6-4, 6-4). The left-hander was once touted as one of Britain's great talents, with a technique that makes him stand out on Tour, a versatile and unpredictable game, and excellent net play and touch. He is one of the few one-handed backhand players who has maintained a place at the highest level in recent years.

However, injuries have plagued Evans over the past couple of seasons. While he reached his career-high ranking of world No. 21 in 2023, he had a long absence from the Tour in 2024, causing him to drop out of the top 150 for several months.

Just a couple of months ago, he was even outside the top 200, although he has managed in recent weeks – especially during the grass-swing – to climb positions in the ranking to No. 144. At this point, ranking is surely not a priority for Evans, who acknowledges that he is preparing for the end of his career.

Evans finds significant wins at DC Open

Evans started his run at the DC Open on a strong note with a victory over Bergs. This was a significant win for the Brit, who received a wildcard to enter the tournament and secured his first tour-level hardcourt win since October 2024, after two hours and 29 minutes.

The second-round match against Michelsen provided a confidence-boosting win after a couple of seasons far from his best level. "I’ve always said even when I was solidified in the Top 30, Top 40, that winning on this Tour is never easy,” Evans told the official ATP Tour website. “The best part about winning on the Tour is now going to the bike to warm down and be with the people who work with you day in and day out.

“Sometimes we take it for granted, but the last year — or two years — has been difficult and I definitely enjoy it and cherish every moment I get on these courts because it’s coming towards the end of my career, there’s no hiding from that.”