By Tony Fairbairn
- Dan Evans [5] def Tallon Griekspoor 6-3 6-4
- Evans v Constant Lestienne | H2H: Evans leads 1-0
ANTWERP, BELGIUM – Dan Evans is into the second round in Antwerp after a straight sets win over Tallon Griekspoor and now awaits Constant Lestienne.
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Dan Evans [5] def Tallon Griekspoor 6-3 6-4
Dan Evans broke down the game of Tallon Griekspoor to move into the second round in Antwerp. The Brit made an impressive start to the match with the clear tactic being to hit powerful deep groundstrokes to set up the smash winner from the net. For the first part of the match, Griekspoor managed to hold his own with dominant play from the baseline, setting up winners.
There had to be patient from Evans but in the end some impressive defensive shots allowed for passing shots as the Brit secured the break for a 4-2 lead. The Dutchman couldn’t break down the fifth seed’s serve as Evans remained confident and secure on serve with the Brit sealing the first set with a powerful body serve.
Just like the opening set, Griekspoor remained resilient and tested Evans’ patience as he continued to play aggressive tennis from the baseline. The Dutchman’s court positioning and movement was exquisite in the second set as he moved Evans around the court and even created a break point.
However Evans remained firm in his approach and saved break point which lead to a break in the next game with some superior tactical play. Despite being unable to break for the match in the ninth game, the Brit would seal victory on his second match point as he was delighted with his afternoon’s work as he secured a second round match.
Dan Evans [5] v Constant Lestienne H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Dan Evans [5] v Constant Lestienne | H2H: Evans leads 1-0 |
| ATP Antwerp | Antwerp, Belgium |
| Indoor Hard | Prize Money: €11,375 |
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Evans now takes on Constant Lestienne in the second round in a rematch from their match in San Diego which the Brit won.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Dan Evans (WR 26) | Constant Lestienne (WR 69) |
| Tournament Previous Best | Semi-Final (2020) | R1 (2018) |
| 1st Serve % | 61.7 | 58.5 |
| Service Games Won % | 77 | 74.4 |
| Break Points Saved % | 57.5 | 53.1 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.1 | 49.5 |
| Break Points Converted % | 42.1 | 41.5 |
Evans has the edge in all areas but will be aware of Lestienne’s effective returning heading into this match.
Playing Styles and Prediction
The Frenchman has built up good form on the Challenger circuit winning two events in the last couple months and recently reached the semi-finals of Tel-Aviv, losing to Marin Cilic. Lestienne’s returning qualities make him a threat to anyone on his day and he will look to take his momentum into next season.
Evans will need to serve well and play a clean tactical match as Lestienne will believe that he can dictate the points through his return. The Brit will take confidence from their meeting in San Diego and if the Brit can play as aggressively as he did in America then he should win in straight sets although it may not be as comfortable.
Prediction: Evans in straight sets.
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