Henman Clarifies Wildcard Decision
Tim Henman, a main board member of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, has explained why Dan Evans was not awarded a wildcard for the Wimbledon main draw this year, following Evans' critical remarks about the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). Evans, 36, saw his singles career end with a 7-5, 6-0 qualifying defeat to Tristan Schoolkate at Roehampton after missing out on a guaranteed final singles match at Wimbledon.
The two remaining wildcards went to British players Harry Wendelken and Felix Gill. Evans, a Davis Cup stalwart who partnered Andy Murray at the 2024 Paris Olympics, had announced earlier this month that Wimbledon would be his final tournament after two decades as a professional.
Limited Wildcard Slots
Speaking to the media, Henman said: "We would've loved to, and I think I speak on behalf of Anne as well, given Dan Evans a wildcard, but there was only eight in the draw. The way it works is that the LTA come and presents to our wildcard committee then we have to decide. There was six British players ahead of Dan for main draw wild cards then we wanted to give [one to] Grigor Dimitrov, who was in the quarter-finals here last year, two sets up against Jannik Sinner, tore his pec muscle."
Henman added: "Then Stan Wawrinka is a three-time Grand Slam champion. Perhaps if there had been 12 or 13, Dan would have got one, but unfortunately it wasn't to be. He had a good performance in the first round of qualifying and then lost in second round."
Evans' Reaction and Doubles Wildcard
Evans, however, was less than impressed. Following his qualifying defeat, he said: "No, listen, I'm fine with what I just think... Not one member of the LTA watched one of my matches; actually, Colin Beecher did because he's my friend. It's not that deep, chaps or ladies. So that's how you want to f*****g act, carry on, like, pathetic."
He continued: "I certainly didn't do that [drop out of a tournament to play in the Olympics and lose ranking points] for Great Britain. I did it because Andy is my friend. I wanted to play Olympics and I've never been one about defending points or titles. It's just... You expect something back in return; but I won't be campaigning for my player to play Davis Cup."
Henman confirmed that Evans did receive a doubles wildcard with Henry Searle, saying: "I'm glad to say he was given a doubles wildcard with Henry Searle, so he will get the opportunity of playing at the championships in his last ever professional tournament."
