Dan Evans in the Nature Valley Open, ATP Challenger Nottingham 2018
Dan Evans in the Nature Valley Open, ATP Challenger Nottingham 2018 | (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images for LTA)

Tennis | ATP Vienna 2020 | Evans edges Dimitrov to face Sonego in the semi-final

  • Dan Evans def. Grigor Dimitrov 7-6(3) 4-6 6-3
  • Evans v Lorenzo Sonego [LL] | First Meeting
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Dan Evans notched up another semi-final berth after edging Grigor Dimitrov to face lucky loser Lorenzo Sonego.

 

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Dan Evans def. Grigor Dimitrov 7-6(3) 4-6 6-3

The indoor season is helping Dan Evans to see out a fragmented 2020 in style as he booked a place in a semi-final for the second time in as many weeks. Notching up an eighth win over Top-20 opposition, he edged Grigor Dimitrov in an edgy first set.

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The pair started with trading breaks, before Evans nudged ahead, only to be pegged back once more as Dimitrov levelled again for 4-4.

Evans surged ahead in the tie-break, rounding out the first set. Dimitrov, who has played strongly since the tour returned to Europe for a late clay court season before moving indoors, took the early lead, and was much more threatening in the second set with a couple more chances to increase his lead, but keeping that sole break advantage to level the match.

Evans was quick to shake off the rust of the second set, breaking early for a 4-1 lead and could not quite build up that all important double-break cushion. It did not matter though, as it was enough of a lead to close out a spot in another semi-final.

 

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Evans v Lorenzo Sonego [LL] | First Meeting

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The script said it would be a match-up with Novak Djokovic awaiting the winner of this last match, but Lorenzo Sonego tore up that script as a listless Djokovic failed to find any answers to the lucky loser’s game.

The Italian has a solid serve and capable forehand, although a spongy backhand can let him down. Evans can expect to have to move a lot in this match as the Italian is fond of a drop-shot, but the Brit’s variety and flare can shine in a match like this.

More importantly, it is a step closer to Evans chasing down an elusive maiden title, but Sonego played his game with a lot of focus against the World No. 1. His serving will require Evans to be spot on with his return game – he can ill-afford the same sluggish start he had against Austrian wildcard Jurij Rodionov whose big serving had Evans on the back foot earlier in their match.

A winnable encounter but expect Evans to be made to work for it.

Prediction: Evans in three sets.

Evans & Sonego are scheduled on Centre Court not before 3pm (2pm GMT).

 

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