The Telegraph

‘Fired up’ Dan Evans fuelled to largest win of his profession by Novak Djokovic’s disrespect

British No 1 Dan Evans cited a disrespectful late arrival from Novak Djokovic because the spur that prompted one of the best – and impossible – victory of his profession on Thursday in Monte Carlo. This was an actual turn-up. Beating Djokovic had seemed to be an unattainable dream for Evans. He has by no means warmed to clay, nor had he beforehand managed a victory in opposition to anybody ranked larger than No 7 on the earth. However Djokovic – who has stood atop the rankings for 14 months – got here out surprisingly flat on a blustery, chilly and drizzly day within the Riviera. And Evans was contrastingly sensible, particularly within the giant variety of fashionable drop-shots that he feathered simply over the web. The outcome was a pot pourri of outstanding statistics. This was Djokovic’s first defeat of 2021, after 10 straight victories. It was Evans’ first go to to the quarter-final of a Masters 1000 occasion (the place he’ll play eleventh seed David Goffin on Friday). Most notably, it was the primary time {that a} British man had overwhelmed a world No 1 on clay. A perceived snub within the build-up had helped Evans discover his focus. “He stored me ready in the beginning of the match within the altering rooms somewhat bit,” Evans advised Amazon Prime after his 6-4, 7-5 win. “It was somewhat annoying, so I used to be able to go from that – it obtained me somewhat further fired up. “That’s why we roll the balls out,” Evans added. “It’s one in opposition to one and also you’ve gotta see who wins and that’s what I used to be telling myself. He gave me some low-cost ones as we speak which he by no means usually does, so I used to be somewhat fortunate there however I’m simply actually pleased with coming via.” The identical interview completed with a second of banter as Amazon’s studio pundit Tim Henman requested Evans – tongue firmly in cheek – whether or not clay was now his favorite floor. “Is golf your favorite sport?” replied Evans, with out addressing the query.