Dan Evans has officially announced that he will retire from tennis after Wimbledon, bringing to an end a hugely impressive career.
The Brit, who won two ATP titles across 20 years playing the sport professionally, reached a career-high ranking of 21st in the world.
This was massively aided by runs to the third round at the Australian and US Open, with both events marking his best-ever major performances, making the fourth round in 2017 and 2021 respectively.
Although it did not result in a title, perhaps one of the highlights of Dan Evans’ career would be partnering Andy Murray during the 2024 Paris Olympics, in what ended up being the 39-year-old’s last-ever tournament before retiring.
Judy Murray, clearly still hugely grateful, would reference this throughout her tribute.
Judy Murray praises Dan Evans’ career after he announces retirement
Taking to Instagram, Judy led with a picture of Evans and Murray both celebrating, their heads looking to the sky, eyes closed and arms out.
It came after they had won yet another match at the Paris Olympics against all the odds, and she wrote: “This will always be one of my favourite photos.”
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Murray then explained why: “Olympics 2024. Two of a kind. Hearts on their sleeves. Team players. And who can forget that Dan chose not to defend his ATP Washington title and 500 ranking points to partner Andy in Paris in what would be his final competition.
“Congratulations on a wonderful career Dan Evans. A playmaker and a maverick. Never change Evo. Enjoy your retirement.”
Evans’ 2023 Washington Open title represented the biggest of his career, given it was an ATP 500-level event. To forfeit returning marked a huge sacrifice, and one which the Murray family have not soon forgotten.
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It seems fitting that Judy should share such a touching tribute to Evans, which was reposted by Andy Murray on his Instagram story, given how involved he was in the Scotsman’s retirement.
As she mentions, the two partnered one another in the 2024 Paris Olympics for the men’s doubles, and completed two sensational comebacks to reach the quarterfinals before their run was cut short.
Speaking afterwards, Evans led the tributes for Murray, admitting: “He’s going to be missed for British tennis and the world game – it’s a figurehead that’s gone I’d say.
“I can’t imagine he’ll be leaving this sport, I hope he stays around doing something in some capacity because he’s a great motivator, gives great advice – whatever he puts his hand to he’ll be good.”
Ironically, Evans said he wanted Murray to coach a British player after Novak Djokovic, and has seen that hope come to life with Jack Draper enlisting his services.
“All the things he’s done for me, on behalf of British tennis, there’s no words for stuff like that.
“It was rocking in there and he deserved every minute of it. He’s a class act and always has been, for British tennis and world tennis. He’s spoken up on matters other people wouldn’t speak about and he’s a good guy.”
It’s certain that Murray will have similarly kind words to offer to Evans in private when he officially retires as well.
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