By Tony Fairbairn
- Dan Evans [26] def Botic Van De Zandschulp 1-6 6-1 6-3 6-3
- Evans v Carlos Alcaraz [1] | H2H: Alcaraz leads 2-0
NEW YORK, USA – Dan Evans came back from a set down to defeat Botic Van De Zandschulp and will now face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the third round of the US Open.
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Dan Evans [26] def Botic Van De Zandschulp 1-6 6-1 6-3 6-3
Dan Evans is into the third round of the US Open after coming back from a set down to defeat Botic Van De Zandschulp. It was a great comeback from Evans given the level of Van De Zandschulp in the opening set as he was aggressive on return with his consistency on the forehand side causing Evans all sorts of problems.
After saving two break points in the second game, Evans went on the attack as he created two opportunities of his own but was surprisingly passive in key moments. This would cost the Brit as he failed to break and would lose five consecutive games with the Dutchman converting his next two break point opportunities. The former quarter-finalist held his nerve to close out a clinical opening set with Evans having work to do if he wanted to win the match.
A quick response was needed from Evans and a quick response was produced as he was fired up from the first points shouting so that the whole of the tennis centre could hear him. The Brit only dropped two points on serve throughout the whole set which allowed him to be more aggressive and proactive on return. That freedom was crucial as he converted both break points in the fourth and six games as Evans cruised through the second set in 30 minutes.
The momentum was with Evans and the 26th seed carried that momentum into the third set, breaking in the opening game before withstanding some pressure from Van De Zandschulp. The Dutchman was aggressive in the second game as he looked to stop the run of games against him but Evans remained firm as he saved break point to hold for 2-0. There was some moments of magic from the Dutchman but the Brit was too consistent in the big moments with his slice doing the majority of the damage as he broke again in the ninth game to seal the third set.
In the fourth set, Evans was too efficient on serve when creating break point opportunities but not as efficient when converting them. The Brit had seven break point opportunities throughout the set but only converted one of them which was in a long fourth game as he took a 3-1. The Dutchman pushed for one last break in the seventh game but the Brit denied him with some clutch serving.
In the end Evans closed out the match comfortably as he sealed a place in the third round of the US Open.
Dan Evans [26] v Carlos Alcaraz [1] | H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Dan Evans [26] v Carlos Alcaraz [1] | H2H: Alcaraz leads 2-0 |
| US Open 2023 | New York, USA |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $191,000 |
| First on Arthur Ashe Stadium at 12pm (5pm BST) | Sky/Now TV Subscription Required |
A monumental task awaits Evans in the third round as he takes on defending champion Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the second week.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2023)
| H2H: | Dan Evans (WR 28) | Carlos Alcaraz (WR 1) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R4 (2021) | Champion (2022) |
| 1st Serve % | 60 | 65.3 |
| Service Games Won % | 79.4 | 85.7 |
| Break Points Saved % | 62.6 | 64.8 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 50.2 | 53.8 |
| Break Points Converted % | 36.6 | 40.6 |
Evans will need to raise his level on serve as Alcaraz has been extremely efficient on break point opportunities over the last few months.
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Playing Styles and Prediction
Alcaraz has cruised through his opening two rounds as the defending champion is showing no nerves in his first Grand Slam title defence. The Spaniard looks to continue to elevate his game as he has a Wimbledon final and Cincinnati final rematch against Novak Djokovic in his sights.
Evans will look to use the slice to try and mix up the tempo of the rallies as he looks to be aggressive with the forehand. Meanwhile Alcaraz will look to push Evans behind the baseline as much as possible while using the drop shot to keep the Brit guessing. This will be a tough match but if Evans can be aggressive and dictate play with his forehand then he can make this match as difficult as possible for the Spaniard.
Prediction: Alcaraz in straight sets.
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