'We’ve got to be careful moaning about it': Dan Evans warns tennis stars over schedule complaints at Queen’s

British tennis ace Dan Evans is not afraid to ruffle some feathers ahead of this week’s prestigious Queen’s Club Championships.

While several top players have recently voiced frustration over the demanding tennis calendar, Evans has fired back, urging his peers to “be careful” about complaining too much.

The tennis world has been buzzing with complaints about the packed schedule. Five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek recently voiced her concerns about the lack of rest between tournaments, suggesting the current setup is pushing players to their limits. Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz has also chimed in, joking that the ATP might be on a mission to "kill" players with the relentless calendar and mandatory tournaments.

Yet Evans, who earned a wildcard into Queen’s this year, isn’t buying it.

Speaking to the BBC ahead of the tournament, the British No. 7 was blunt: "I think first and foremost we’re in a fortunate position. When I hear about the schedule complaints, these guys don’t have to play every week. You are allowed to not play. The reason they play is so they pick up their bonus pool.".

Evans, who has fought hard to carve out his spot among tennis’s elite, continued: "We’ve got to be careful moaning about it. We have a lot of work, which is good. There are lots of people in the world struggling for work, so we have to be careful harping on about the tough schedule. We are allowed to take weeks off, we are independent contractors, so that’s where I stand on it.".

The former world No. 26 is not just talking tough for the sake of it, he’s reminding the tennis community that, despite the grueling tour, the players hold a lot of power over their schedules.naka

Backing up his words with action, Dan Evans made a strong statement in his Queen’s Club first-round match today, beating the tournament’s number 7 seed Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 6-2. It marked Evans’ first victory at Queen’s since 2021, a milestone he celebrated quietly but confidently.

Looking ahead, Evans is set to face either Brandon Nakashima or Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the second round on Wednesday.

Evans's willingness to call out fellow pros about schedule complaints, while backing it up with resilience and results, underlines a maturity beyond his years on tour. As he continues his Queen’s campaign, his blend of on-court success and candid views on the tennis calendar keep him a fascinating figure to watch in the weeks leading up to Wimbledon.