By Tony Fairbairn
- Dan Evans def Moez Echargui [ITF] 6-2 4-6 6-2
- Evans v Stefanos Tsitsipas [8] | H2H: Tsitsipas leads 4-0
PARIS, FRANCE – Dan Evans overcame injury and Moez Echargui to reach the second round at the Olympics and will now face eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.
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Dan Evans def Moez Echargui [ITF] 6-2 4-6 6-2
Dan Evans is into the second round at the Olympics after a hard-fought three set win over African Games champion Moez Echargui. The win was Evans’ 150th tour level win but wasn’t without its obstacles. It was a quick start from Evans who displayed his quality ball-striking and experience by breaking in the opening game as he would take a 2-1 lead.
As the set went on Echargui gradually gained confidence as this was the biggest match of his career so far and showed nervousness to begin the contest. The crowd on Court ten was full of Tunisian supporters who boosted Echargui’s morale as he carved out some opportunities in the fourth game.
However, Evans battled well and kept holding serve before breaking again for a 5-2 lead. There was some clean shot-making from Evans and the Brit was serving the best he’s served in months as he comfortably held serve to secure the opening set 6-2.
In the second set the Tunisian gained some confidence and was dictating play from the baseline as Evans was more passive. There were some critical errors from Evans early on as he saved four break points in the second game to remain level with Echargui. That would prove crucial as Evans sealed a big break of serve in the fifth game for a 3-2 lead as he won another long rally.
However just as it looked like Evans was going to cruise to victory, the Brit committed a crucial error as he dived for a volley and ended up hurting his back and leg at 4-3 up. This saw Evans’ movement being limited and Echargui took advantage by hitting return winners and sealing a run of four games in a row to level the match at one set all.
The world number 59 was frustrated as he hit the umpires chair and took another medical time-out in order to try and solve his physical limitations. The treatment seemed to work because as the set went on, Evans was raising his level of play and was hitting some incredible shots.
A rejuvenated Evans managed to save two break points and took his break point opportunities to break for a 3-2 lead. The Brit reverted back to his aggressive patterns of play as he hit some big forehand winners and produced the final nail in the coffin by breaking for a second time in the seventh game.
Remaining cool, calm and composed Evans booked his place in the second round by closing out the match with some emphatic serving.
Dan Evans v Stefanos Tsitsipas [8] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Dan Evans v Stefanos Tsitsipas [8] | H2H: Tsitsipas leads 4-0 |
| Olympic Games 2024 | Paris, France |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: N/A |
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Evans will now take on eighth seed and former Roland Garros finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the last 16.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)
| H2H: | Dan Evans (WR 59) | Stefanos Tsitsipas (WR 12) |
| Tournament Previous Best | N/A | R3 (2021) |
| 1st Serve % | 55.9 | 60.2 |
| Service Games Won % | 76.4 | 85.7 |
| Break Points Saved % | 60.3 | 69.3 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 49.4 | 50.7 |
| Break Points Converted % | 29.6 | 42.3 |
Evans will need to continue his aggression from the baseline as Tsitsipas is one of the most clinical players when it comes to converting break point opportunities.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
After a fairly good clay court season, Tsitsipas has disappointed in recent months as he has lacked composure and consistency in order to go deep in tournaments. However Tsitsipas has often elevated his level when representing his country and the two-time Grand Slam finalist will hope he can do the same in Paris.
Evans will need to be more consistent with his aggressive play as he will look to test Tsitsipas’ confidence especially on the backhand. Meanwhile Tsitsipas will need to serve well as he aims to come into the net in order to finish off the points. This will be a tough match for Evans and will be hoping a good performance can be produced as he looks for momentum heading into the US hard court season.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in straight sets.
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