British No. 1 Dan Evans acquired the biggest win of his career, denying Novak Djokovic a place in the Monte-Carlo Masters 2021 quarterfinals. However, in the post-match press conference, he opened up on the criticism he received from 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti in Cagliari.
Before traveling to Monaco, the British professional had participated in the Sardegna Open 2021. Despite being a top seed, Evans lost in the opening round against Italian teenage sensation Musetti in three sets. The final score was 1-6, 6-1, 6-7 (8).
After the match, the Italian talked about his opponent to the local press. “There are experienced players who are respectful on the court, others like Evans who try to use my youth to turn the matches around. Evans was disrespectful, and I do not want to be treated like a young man,” Musetti said.
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Dan Evans responds to the criticism from Lorenzo Musetti
Dan Evans, who defeated the top seed Novak Djokovic in straight sets, did not want to talk about Musetti. However, in brief words, the current World No. 33 responded to the Italian’s revelation.
“Young Musetti should get certain manners on him. How he spoke last week was embarrassing. Let’s not talk about Musetti in my press conference. Last week he said some things in the Italian press about me that were disrespectful. If he apologizes, I will answer. He’s a good tennis player, but he’s got no manners,” Evans answered.
It is natural to misunderstand opponents in the heat of the moment, and tennis players are no strangers to that. Hopefully, things will fall in place for Musetti and Evans when they meet again on the ATP Tour.
However, it is now time for Dan to continue his dream run at the Monte-Carlo Masters 2021. He will meet 11th seed David Goffin in the quarterfinals.
Evans’ exciting start to the 2021 season
Interestingly, Evans won his first ATP title this year, at the Murray River Open in Melbourne. Moreover, if he continues on the level he was at against the Serbian, his first Masters 1000 title is not far away.
His opponent, Belgian David Goffin, is also in exquisite form at the Monte-Carlo clay. He upset fifth seed German Alexander Zverev to 6-4, 7-6 (7) to make it into the quarterfinals.
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Either of the two players is capable of moving ahead on the road of the Monte-Carlo Masters final. On the other side of the draw, Rafael Nadal is holding the tower strong. Fans will wait with bated breath to see who lifts the title this year.
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