Evans not motivated more by Wimbledon wildcard omission

Dan Evans says missing out on a Wimbledon main-draw wildcard has not motivated him more in qualifying as he overcame Juan Carlos Prado Angelo in the first round.

The 36-year-old, who will end his career after the championships, has been given a wildcard into the men’s doubles with Henry Searle, who he has been working with since January.

However, Evans missed out on one of the eight singles wildcards, meaning he needs to win three matches in Roehampton this week to play one last singles at SW19.

The former British number one expressed frustration earlier in June at not being given a wildcard for Queen’s , saying it would have been a “classy gesture” to get one.

After beating Bolivia’s Prado Angelo 7-6 (7-2) 6-3, Evans said he was “no more motivated to win matches here because I didn’t get the wildcard”.

“I play tennis for myself, not to prove other people wrong and I’ve done that throughout my career,” he added.

“It’s nothing to do with the All England Club giving or not giving me a wildcard. They gave me one in doubles and I am appreciative of that.

“It’s neither here nor there if they gave me a wildcard. I love the tournament, but I am no more motivated to win matches here because I didn’t get the wildcard.

“A lot of people have run with that story – it’s untrue.

“I’m really happy that I ended up playing qualifying, to get a chance to come and play in this atmosphere.”

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World number 297 Evans has reached the Wimbledon third round on three occasions.

He won two ATP Tour-level titles and reached a career-high of 21 in the world rankings, and was also part of the British team that won the 2015 Davis Cup.

In 2024, Evans sacrificed the 500 ranking points he had won at the Washington Open the previous year to partner Sir Andy Murray for his final tournament at the Paris Olympics.

He was watched by a packed crowd at Roehampton on Monday and admitted nerves made him feeling like he was playing his first Wimbledon.

“I was very nervous at the start and especially at the end,” Evans added.

“I made the decision [to retire] and I’m happy with that but I’m not going to lie, in the matches on the grass it’s been difficult to keep my mind on the job.

“I’m really happy and proud of how I’ve come through that.”

Evans will face 28th seed Tristan Schoolkate next after the Australian beat Britain’s Johannus Monday 7-5 6-3.

Billy Harris and Oliver Tarvet, who reached the second round at Wimbledon last year, were also among the winners on the first day of qualifying.

Harris beat Italy’s Stefano Napolitano 6-2 6-2, while Tarvet was a 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 winner against Alex Bolt of Australia.

Wimbledon begins on Monday, 29 June.

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