Dan Evans in the first round of the 2023 US Open, New York
Dan Evans in the first round of the 2023 US Open, New York | (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Tennis | US Open 2023 | Evans eases past Elahi Galan, faces Van De Zandschulp next

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Dan Evans [26] def Daniel Elahi Galan 6-4 6-2 7-5
  • Evans v Botic Van De Zandschulp | H2H: First Meeting
NEW YORK, USA – Dan Evans eased past Daniel Elahi Galan in straight sets and reached the second round at the US Open where he will face Botic Van De Zandschulp.

 

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Dan Evans [26] def Daniel Elahi Galan 6-4 6-2 7-5

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Dan Evans is into the second round of the US Open after a comfortable victory over Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan. There were lots of long and brutal rallies in this match as Evans got off to the best possible start by breaking serve in the opening game with his second break point opportunity.

Elahi Galan wasn’t going to give up without a fight though as Evans had to be resilient on serve as he fended off the Colombian’s consistency, saving a break point in the sixth game. The Brit did have an opportunity to take a double break advantage but the Brit had to settle for the one break as he closed out the opening set in 51 minutes.

That opening set gave Evans more confidence as the Brit was aggressive and clinical in the second set as he once again broke in the opening game. After fending off more pressure from Elahi Galan, Evans used his slice to neutralise the Colombian’s power from the baseline as he came into the net on more occasions.

After failing to break in the third game, Evans raised the level of play as he continued his aggression into the latter stages of the set and was rewarded with a break to love in the seventh game. A hard-fought eighth game saw Evans convert his fourth set point as he sealed a two set lead.

In the third set Evans was left feeling frustrated as Elahi Galan was rejuvenated and continued to be consistent from the baseline, extracting errors from Evans’ game. Both players had break point opportunities with neither player wanting to be the aggressor. In the end it was Evans who was the more proactive play as he edged a tight eleventh game to break and have the opportunity to serve for the win.

Eventually Evans served out the win to seal a place in the second round and end his recent bad run of form.

 

Dan Evans [26] v Botic Van De Zandschulp  H2H & Match Fundamentals

Dan Evans [26] v Botic Van De Zandschulp H2H: First Meeting
US Open 2023 New York, USA
Hard (O) Prize Money: $123,000
Last on Court 11 not before 4pm (9pm BST) Sky/Now TV Subscription Required

Next up for Evans is former US Open quarter-finalist and Dutchman Botic Van De Zandschulp.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2023)

H2H: Dan Evans (WR 28) Botic Van De Zandschulp (WR 65)
Tournament Previous Best R4 (2021) QF (2021)
1st Serve % 60.2 62.7
Service Games Won % 78.1 73.5
Break Points Saved % 62.1 62.1
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 49.9 50.9
Break Points Converted % 35.9 35.6

Evans will need to be at his best on return against an effective server like Van De Zandschulp.

 

 

Playing Styles and Prediction

Van De Zandschulp enters this second round match in poor form having lost eight of his last ten matches with 27 year-old struggling to make an impact on the tour. Now the world number 65 is looking to rebuild his confidence at the venue of his only Grand Slam quarter-final where he made his breakthrough.

Evans will look to test the Dutchman’s confidence early on by being aggressive and proactive as he looks to extend the rallies with his slice. Meanwhile Van De Zandschulp will look to use depth to limit Evans’ attacking options as he aims to create space on the court. This may be an awkward match for Evans but as long as the Brit remains consistent in his approach and tactics, he should ease into the third round.

Prediction: Evans in straight sets.

 

 

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