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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Professional tennis players live hectic lives, especially if they are fit to compete in tournaments. They tend to be constantly on the move as they try to get experience and titles under their belt. While this can obviously wear some players down, for others, it serves as an opportunity to gain a higher ranking. However, for British players in recent months, with the exception of Emma Raducanu, it seems that rest is more important than participating in tournaments. At least, that’s what Dan Evans thinks.

In a recent interview, the Briton tore into his compatriots as he suggested that they probably have a lot of money. So far, none of them have responded to him, but it’s fair to say that his explosive comments won’t go down too well with them.

Without naming Emma Raducanu, Dan Evans lashes out at the female British tennis contingent

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Dan Evans’ controversial interview with the Express UK came on the back of his disappointing first-round exit from the Madrid Open. Evans’ match was against Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles, and the Briton could not cope with Miralles’ dominance. Ultimately, he lost the match 6-3, 6-2.

via Reuters

Following the match, Evans said, “We’re picking and choosing what tournaments we play and we’re ranked 200 in the world.” This was only the beginning of his short but stinging rant. Evans went on to say, “I’m not going to bag the girls here but no one played after [the Billie Jean King Cup in Coventry a fortnight ago].. There’s some cultural thing about resting and all that.”

Evans was referring to the lack of British participation, particularly female players, across tennis tournaments following the conclusion of the Billie Jean King Cup, which took place in Coventry two weeks back. Evans concluded his rant, saying, “It’s not new. Maybe they’ve got too much money or something.”

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Was Evans just bitter or did his words make any sense?

Evans’ compatriot Cameron Norrie, who is the current British No. 1 in the men’s game, won against Yosuke Watanuki in the Madrid Open. Now, he will appear in the tournament’s round of 32. Unlike Evans, Norrie has so far remained tight-lipped regarding British participation across recent ATP and WTA tournaments.

via Reuters

So, in all likelihood, Evans’ words were a reflection of his disappointment at exiting the Madrid Open. In the buildup to the tournament, it was Emma Raducanu who made most of the headlines in the British media. The 20-year-old and current British No. 1 in the WTA rankings withdrew from the tournament after an awkward press conference. She’s nursing a right wrist injury right now, and it’s unlikely that the tennis world will get to see the best of her anytime soon.

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