Dan Evans Wins First Ever Career Title Ahead of Australian Open 2021, Achieves Career-High ATP Ranking

British No.1 Dan Evans clinched the first-ever ATP title of his career at the Murray River Open. Evans defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets in the final of the ATP 250 event held in Melbourne. Notably, Evans won the title without dropping a set and has made a perfect start to the 2021 season.

Seeded No.8, Evans broke Auger-Aliassime’s serve twice in the opening set and won it comfortably 6-2. In the second set, Evans again broke his opponent’s serve in the third game to take a 3-1 lead. Despite Auger-Aliassime trying to climb back in the second set, Evans hit some stunning passing shots and exhibited great netplay to overpower his opponent.

Dan Evans wins maiden career title

However, as Evans started serving for the title at 5-2 in the second set, his nerves got the better of him and Auger-Aliassime broke Evans for the first time in the match to stay alive. As Auger-Aliassime built momentum, Evans broke him the following game to wrap up the match in 1 hour 18 minutes.

Evans won a whopping 77% points of his first serve while Auger-Aliassime made 32 unforced errors during the match, which cost him dearly.

It was the third final of Evans’s career, having lost the previous two finals at the 2019 Delray Beach Open and 2017 Sydney International. On the other hand, Auger-Aliassime was playing his seventh career final and has finished as the runner-up on all occasions.

During the presentation ceremony, Evans expressed his gratitude towards his team for supporting him during the hard times. The Briton applauded Tennis Australia for administrating such a big event amidst the global crisis.

“Thanks to my team for being there through some not so good times. Thanks for that. Thanks also for Tennis Australia for getting this event on. See you next week.” said Evans.

With the victory, Evans reached a career-high ranking of World No.26 and improved on his previous best of No.38, which he achieved in March last year.

With the 2021 Australian Open starting tomorrow, Evans’s preparations couldn’t have begun in a better way. He will face fellow countryman Cameron Norrie in the opening round at Melbourne Park. Evans’s best result at the Australian Open has been reaching the fourth-round in 2017.