There’s a past for everyone and it is best to leave it behind. Many are dismayed over their brutal and unlucky pasts, unable to move beyond it, the ATP star Dan Evans carries a dissimilar approach. The Briton currently appears as an active participant at almost all the grand slam events, trying his luck out to gain stability. The 34-year-old stands on the image of a tough past because of which many people decided to leave his side. Although his girlfriend Aleah was always there as a pillar of support, Evans still considers himself as the “worst boyfriend.” Why’s that?

Despite Dan Evans’ significant success on the tennis court, his journey has been anything but smooth, marked by a terrible past that almost derailed his career. Throughout all these ups and downs there was one person who remained a steadfast presence in his life: his girlfriend, Aleah. The couple, who met in 2017 when Aleah was working in Winchcombe, have been together ever since and have faced even the most challenging moments together.

Dan doesn’t shy away from admitting his mistakes. Reflecting on his past, he has confessed that he was “the worst boyfriend there has ever been,” a statement that reveals the depth of his remorse for how he treated Aleah during what he calls his “year from hell.” This dark period began in 2017 when he was banned from playing tennis for 12 months after traces of cocaine were found in his washbag. At the time, he was at the peak of his career, ranked 43rd in the world, and in the form of his life. However, the presence of cocaine in his possession during the Barcelona Open shattered his career and his life.

Evans was devastated by the ban. The Birmingham native, known for his cheeky demeanor and natural talent, suddenly found himself cut off from the sport he loved. The ban not only halted his career but also plunged him into a personal crisis. During this tough time, Aleah’s support was something that went through a series of tests. She stood by Evans and helped him through the dark days when he was struggling with guilt, shame, and the uncertainty of his future in the sport.

Dan Evans stands ahead of his terrible past with a clear learning

After a long time of going through the most terrible things, Dan now sees the period as a harsh lesson that taught him the devastating impact of drugs and poor decisions. He vowed never to touch cocaine again, calling it a “life-ruiner.” Reflecting on his actions, Dan is candid about the mistakes he made and the consequences they had on his relationship and career.

He knows he put Aleah through a lot, admitting that he wasn’t the partner she deserved during those tough times. “It happened. It’s been and gone, in my eyes. It’s a shocking drug – and not just in sport; it’s terrible in life, it’s a life-ruiner,” he said in an Interview with the Guardian.

Now, the duo live together in Cheltenham and are enjoying a quieter life in the countryside. Aleah frequently travels with Dan as he competes around the world, and the couple appears to be stronger than ever. As Dan continues to rebuild his career and make the most of his second chance, he remains grateful for Aleah’s unwavering support. He knows that without her, his journey back to the top would have been much harder, if not impossible.