Dan Evans Voices Frustration Over Djokovic’s Pre-Match Tactics Ahead of Wimbledon Showdown
British tennis player Dan Evans has spoken of his irritation with Novak Djokovic’s conduct in the changing rooms ahead of their much-anticipated clash at Wimbledon. The pair are set to meet in the second round of the men’s singles at SW19, with excitement already building around their rivalry.
Evans, who eased his way past fellow Brit Jay Clarke in a dominant straight-sets victory (6-1, 7-5, 6-2) to reach this stage, now faces one of the sport’s greatest ever champions. Djokovic’s route to round two was less straightforward, as he eventually overcame Alexandre Muller in four sets, but not without complaint, citing stomach issues during the match.
Their paths have rarely crossed in competitive play, but Evans holds a memorable victory over the Serbian superstar, having stunned Djokovic at the Monte Carlo Masters in 2021. On that occasion, Evans claimed a 6-4, 7-5 win – a result that not only shocked the tennis world but also sparked a war of words off the court.
Reflecting on that performance, Evans has shed light on some of the psychological methods Djokovic may use prior to matches. “He kept me waiting at the start of the match in the changing rooms,” Evans told Amazon Prime after his historic win in Monte Carlo. “It was a little bit annoying and got me even more fired up to go out there and play.” According to Evans, this extra edge fuelled his performance that day, and he admitted he benefited from some uncharacteristic errors by Djokovic.
Despite his loss, Djokovic was candid in his post-match assessment, describing his display as “probably one of the worst matches and performances from my side I can recall in the last years.” Still, the 24-time Grand Slam winner showed respect for Evans’s game, calling him “a really nice player to watch,” and praising his versatility and agility.
Tensions between the two have not just been confined to the court. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the strict protocols introduced for the 2020 US Open, the pair differed publicly in their opinions. Djokovic had criticised the rules limiting players to just one team member, calling the restrictions “extreme” and suggesting it would make competing “really impossible” for those at the top. Evans, however, saw things differently, telling BBC Radio 5 Live, “Not everyone needs a big entourage. For most players, travelling with a single coach is standard – Djokovic’s complaints don’t ring true for the majority of the field, except perhaps for the elite few.”
Now ranked No. 154 in the world, Evans acknowledges the looming challenge, with Thursday’s second round match arguably shaping up as one of the most notable of his career. Though his name may not command quite the same headlines as Djokovic’s, Evans’s underdog role and proven ability to unsettle top players adds intrigue to the encounter.
An interesting side note ahead of the match is the absence of Evans’s father at Wimbledon this time. Contrary to previous tournaments, his father has opted for a pre-booked golf trip during one of the most important weeks of Evans’s season. “I tend not to bring a big team to tournaments,” Evans said after his win over Clarke. “This year, I wanted more friends and family here – but my dad picked a round of golf over Wimbledon. He said maybe he’ll leave early, but honestly I might not want him to come now,” he joked.
This flair for candour and humour, coupled with his determination to stand his ground against both Djokovic’s gamesmanship and opinions, has seen Evans develop a reputation as an outspoken figure on tour. Whether this edge will translate into another upset against the great Serbian remains to be seen, but his readiness for both the tennis and psychological battles promises an entertaining spectacle for British tennis fans.
As Wimbledon progresses and all eyes turn to Centre Court for this compelling match-up, observers will be watching closely to see if Evans can once again disrupt Djokovic’s rhythm – on and off the court – or if the Serbian maestro will stamp his authority in pursuit of yet another Slam title.