Former British No. 1 Dan Evans has expressed his frustration after being denied a main draw wildcard into this week's ATP 500 event at Queen's Club, calling it a missed opportunity for a "classy gesture" as he prepares to retire at Wimbledon later this month.
The 36-year-old, who will end his professional career at the All England Club, is waiting to learn on Tuesday whether he will receive a wildcard for his farewell appearance. However, his retirement tour has not gone smoothly so far.
Disappointment at Queen's
Evans was left "perplexed" when he did not receive a pass into the main draw at Queen's Club, arguing that his contributions to British tennis over the years should have warranted consideration. Instead, his ranking placed him in the qualifying event, where he lost to American Marcos Giron in three sets.
"I think wildcards are a good thing for Brits. I would say you hope to do enough years of service for your country to maybe get one in your last tournament at Queen's, but that wasn't the way they went. They went with some younger guys, and that's their prerogative," said Evans, currently ranked world No. 244.
He added: "It would have been a classy gesture to give me a wildcard, but obviously that was lacking on this occasion, and I was in qualifying. I entered the qualifying here myself, and I got in last minute. I was offered a wildcard into qualifying here. I was a bit perplexed that the LTA didn't offer me one into main draw, myself, I obviously made [round of 16] last year. It would have helped me a lot to get a few more days of preparation to start main draw, but again, that's up to them, the powers that be."
A Career of Service
Evans was part of Britain's Davis Cup-winning squad in 2015 and has always cherished representing his country. He believes his dedication should have been enough to justify a wildcard. The Birmingham native's 2025 season ended prematurely in September when he fell on court during a match at the Guangzhou Huangpu Challenger, injuring his wrist.
During his recovery, he began coaching 2023 Wimbledon boys' singles champion Henry Searle, who has also been his doubles partner. Evans returned this season, but Queen's qualifying was only his fifth event. The two-time title winner now feels his body can no longer endure the rigors of professional tennis.
"I haven't played a bunch of tennis, but again, that's for reasons out of my control. I've been injured, and that's the reason I'm obviously retiring, because my body hasn't been great, and I no longer want to put myself through the training," he explained.
Wimbledon Wildcard Hopes
Evans is now hoping the All England Club will take a different approach. His ranking is sufficient to enter the preliminary rounds, but he is seeking a main draw wildcard for a fitting farewell.
"I've applied via the All England Club. If they give me one or not, it's not up to me. I'm obviously a temporary member there, so I hope that helps. I use the club during the year. Again, I feel I've done plenty of time helping British tennis, off the court, and on the court, so I hope to get one. But I'm well capable, I'm in off my own ranking into qualifying, and I'm capable of qualifying," he said.
Evans expressed frustration that his work with Searle during his injury has led some to question his commitment. "I think what some people have forgotten is, you know, I'm a professional tennis player, and I wouldn't be playing if I wasn't prepared or ready to play or fit to play. And that's the thing which is very frustrating at the minute, is that because I've helped another Brit whilst I've been injured, I don't feel like I've been taken seriously," he added.
Reflections on Retirement
Evans already has some experience with retirement tours, having partnered Andy Murray at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris for the former world No. 1's farewell event, where they reached the quarter-finals in men's doubles.
"Did I [play a part in Murray's retirement]? I don't know," he jibed. "That was one of the best weeks in tennis which I've had. I really enjoyed it. I loved playing the Olympics. It was an amazing experience. Like I said in my post, playing for my country was the best thing, full stop. Regardless of what I did personally."
He concluded: "I enjoyed it, Davis Cup and Olympics, and I would always endorse playing for your country, never missing a Davis Cup tie, if you're asked. Well, that was my stance on it until this week, so it will maybe calm down a bit and doesn't give you much, does it?"
