The US Open 2024 has advanced to a crucial stage where competition levels are evident in each of the showdowns. Amid the intense rivalries, it becomes even more difficult to focus and create strategies without a coach. Although the British ATP star Dan Evans has advanced to a crucial stage in the event, there seems to be a big puzzle missing from his quest for the title. Here’s everything about his recent coach split and current situation.

Daniel Evans entered the US Open this year without the guidance of a coach. This bold move follows his recent split from longtime coach Sebastian Prieto. The decision to go solo comes after a turbulent season where Evans has struggled to find consistency, managing to secure only three ATP Tour wins before arriving in New York. This lack of form blended with the absence of a coach has intensified the spotlight on Evans as he moves ahead in one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world.

Evans’ journey at the US Open began with a bang as he triumphed in the longest match in the tournament’s history, a grueling five-hour and 35-minute battle against Karen Khachanov. Evans revealed that he felt “extra pressure” going into his next match, admitting that the thought of losing after such a historic victory weighed heavily on his mind. “It was a strange 24, 48 hours,” Evans said. “I don’t know why, I felt a bit more extra pressure to win. I didn’t really want to win that match and then lose in the next round. It wouldn’t feel right.”

Despite the pressure, Dan Evans managed to secure a solid win in the second round where he defeated the No. 36 seed, Mariano Navone, in straight sets. He wrapped up the match in just over two hours which was completely contrary to his first-round marathon. After securing the win on his second match point, Evans celebrated by high-fiving a fan wearing an Aston Villa shirt. This came as a moment of relief and connection for the fans who root for the Briton.

Evans managed a triumph without his coach by his side. It worked in his favor as he likely received some mental respite from Prieto. The two have had a dramatic time together, with a split prior to the current one as well.

The turbulent times of Dan Evans and Sebastian Prieto

The reason behind Evans’ coach-less US Open campaign is his recent split from Sebastian Prieto. This marked the second time Evans and Prieto decided to part ways, with the latest breakup reportedly because of a disagreement over a racket re-string job. However, the split also reflected a broader context of Evans’ struggles on the court this season. His recent loss in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Primrose Challenger event in Bordeaux, where he was defeated in straight sets by 19-year-old Juncheng Shang, highlighted the challenges that he has faced.

Dan Evans and Prieto started their journey back in 2021, with the Argentine coach helping Evans achieve notable milestones. However, their partnership first ended during last summer’s grass-court season when Evans decided that Prieto’s availability for tournaments was insufficient. Although they briefly separated last time, the latest one appears to be permanent. Evans is currently navigating the tour with Mason Recci, a former Futures player from the Midlands who serves as his hitting partner rather than a full-time coach.

Evans’ decision to compete without a coach at such a critical juncture in his career could be risky. As he moves ahead through the US Open competition, the absence of a coach places added pressure on him to rely on his own experience and mental strength. While he continues to move ahead, it still remains to be seen if his own experience is enough to make things work.