By Tony Fairbairn
- Dan Evans [20] def James Duckworth 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4
- Evans v Marin Cilic [15] | H2H: Evans leads 1-0
NEW YORK, USA – Dan Evans survived a late comeback from James Duckworth to reach the third round at the US Open where he will face former champion Marin Cilic.
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Dan Evans [20] def James Duckworth 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4
Dan Evans had to overcome a late comeback from James Duckworth to move into the third round at the US Open. Evans started the match well as he forced a range of errors from his Australian opponent. Duckworth was too passive in the opening two sets which allowed Evans to play his free-flowing tennis successfully.
The 20th seed earned the break in the third game and threatened the double break in the seventh game in a game that lasted 15 minutes. Although Duckworth saved six break points in that game to hold, the Australian’s lack of authority on serve was costing him. This allowed Evans to be more aggressive in the ninth game as he broke for a second time to seal the set.
Duckworth started the second set in much better fashion but once again was unable to be aggressive off the Evans serve. The Brit continued to use a mix of slice and power to force the errors from the Australian, who was very close to slamming his racket into a million pieces. Duckworth didn’t do that but did concede two consecutive breaks towards the end of the set as Evans took a commanding two set lead.
In the third set both players produced a high standard on serve with Duckworth gradually finding confidence with Evans unable to breakdown the Australian’s game. The Brit’s frustration grew as no opportunities emerged from a more consistent game from Duckworth and he was rewarded for that in the ninth game.
All of the sudden Duckworth had a break point and converted his first opportunity to serve for the third set out of nothing. A comfortable service game later and Evans found himself having to play a fourth set with the Australian grinding his way back into the match.
The match really turned on its head at the start of the fourth set with Duckworth swinging freely on return. Deep and powerful returns caught Evans off guard with Duckworth releasing all of that tension from the first two set. An impressive opening game saw the world number 83 be a break up and have the momentum on his side with his net play dominating the Brit’s baseline game.
Evans had to ride the storm and that he did as he would have his opportunities later in the set as he capitalised on a poor game from Duckworth in the sixth game to level at 3-3. The Brit would be denied a second break in the next return game but a stunning passing shot saw him clinch victory in the tenth game and a place in the last 32. The relief and delight was there to see as Evans slowly believes he can achieve something special in the upcoming rounds.
Dan Evans [20] v Marin Cilic [15] H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Dan Evans [20] v Marin Cilic [15] | H2H: Evans leads 1-0 |
| US Open 2022 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $188,000 |
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Evans will now take on former champion Marin Cilic who is enjoying one of the more consistent spells of his career.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2022)
| H2H: | Dan Evans (WR 23) | Marin Cilic (WR 17) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R4 (2021) | Champion (2014) |
| 1st Serve % | 61.4 | 59 |
| Service Games Won % | 75.6 | 86.3 |
| Break Points Saved % | 55 | 67.4 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 51.8 | 50 |
| Break Points Converted % | 42.4 | 39.8 |
Evans will need to be aware of Cilic’s serving efficiency heading into this match but the Brit will be encouraged by his effectiveness on return.
Playing Styles and Prediction
Cilic is enjoying the most consistent period of his career after a run to the Roland Garros semi-finals which was followed by some good wins since then. The Croatian looks to be enjoying his tennis again and now will look to draw inspiration from his title run eight years ago.
Evans will look to use the slice to draw the errors from Cilic as he looks to continue his confident serving. The Croatian will look to dictate the tempo of the match on serve and finish points off easily at the net. This will be a tricky match for Evans but his form suggests that he should edge this match and seal his place in the second week for a second year in a row.
Prediction: Evans in four sets.
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