Dan Evans in the first round of the Australian Open 2020, Melbourne
Dan Evans in the first round of the Australian Open 2020, Melbourne | (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Monte Carlo 2021 | Evans snaps four match losing streak, meets Miami Open champion in round two

  • Dan Evans def. Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-7, 6-2
  • Evans v Hubert Hurkacz [13] | Hurkacz leads H2H 1-0
MONTE CARLO, MONACO – Dan Evans came through a tight contest to register his first tour-level clay court victory in four years.

 

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Dan Evans def. Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-7, 6-2

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Dan Evans fought against a rain delay and a Dusan Lajovic comeback to book his spot in the second round. The 30-year-old also snapped a ten-match losing streak on the surface.

The Brit started the match with the same attacking mindset he did in his last weeks’ loss to Lorenzo Musetti In that contest Evans charged the net at any given opportunity and the World No. 33 picked up exactly where he left off. Lajovic had no answer to Evans’ immense pressure and the Brit wrapped up the opening set 6-3.

The rain intervened as play was halted for the day and it seemed the enforced break allowed the Serb to adjust his tactics for the better. Lajovic was able to take control of the points more frequently and a tiebreak was needed to separate the pair. The World no. 31 dug extremely deep and scraped through the 24-point breaker to force a deciding set.

Evans regained the momentum with an early break and didn’t look back since. The Brit superbly rose his level whenever the pressure mounted and got a much-needed victory over his Serbian opponent.

 

Dan Evans v Hubert Hurkacz [13] H2H & Match Fundamentals

Dan Evans v Hubert Hurkacz [13] H2H: Hurkacz leads 1-0Β 
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Evans’ next opponent will be Hubert Hurkacz, the 13th seed and Miami Open champion.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2021)

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H2H: Dan Evans (WR: 33) Hubert Hurkacz [13] (WR: 16)
Tournament Previous Best Round of 64 (2017) Round of 64 (2019)
1st Serve % 61 67
Service Games Won % 82 86
Break Points Saved % 68 64
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 52 50
Break Points Converted % 46 3b7

Playing Styles

The World no. 16 may not be the most aesthetically pleasing player to watch, but he is extremely effective at what he does. The Pole is a crafty counterpuncher who likes to use the pace of his opponents against them. A master tactician, Hurkacz prefers to use his variety to outfox his way to victories – which has led many to compare his style to Andy Murray.

At six foot five inches tall, the 24-year-old is also blessed with a big serve, allowing him to attack early on. Hurkacz is also very comfortable in the forecourt, making him a serious presence at any stage in a rally.

Evans is also a fine tactician and will need to be a step ahead of the Pole, who is not short of confidence at the moment. It may be a good idea for Evans not to attack as relentlessly as this may play into Hurkacz’s hands as the 24-year-old loves a target to aim at.

Prediction

The pair have met once before, on the clay courts of Rome last season. The Pole was victorious on that occasion although it was extremely close: 7-5 in the decider. Hurkacz is beginning to make success a habit as he is currently on a seven-match winning streak, but Evans has displayed a very high level in his last two matches as he looks to be getting to grips with the dirt. The Brit hasn’t won back-to-back matches since the Murray River Open, but I can see the Brit recording his biggest ever win on the surface.

Prediction: Evans in three sets.

 

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