Four weeks prior to the Davis Cup Finals, Dan Evans hobbled off the court after retiring from his Erste Bank Open match against Frances Tiafoe due to a serious-looking calf injury. In the opening round, the British number two was ahead 4-1 when he suddenly pulled up near the baseline. Evans, 33, was dejected while undergoing therapy, and it quickly became apparent that he would not be able to go on. He was included in Britain’s squad for the Davis Cup Finals the following month on Monday.
Evans will be hopeful that his injury is not severe enough to prevent him from competing in the men’s team event. He played a key role in helping his country advance to the knockout stage. On November 23, Britain will play Serbia in the round of eight. The semi-finals and championship match will take place in Malaga the following week.
When Dan seemed to pop his right calf muscle trying to surge forward from the baseline in Vienna against American world no. 14 Tiafoe, he was in complete control of the match. After dominating on serve and giving the unbalanced Tiafoe some problems with his crisp return, the world number 35 took one of four break opportunities and attempted to reduce the gap on the first set.
However, Evans cried out in agony early in the sixth game as he whirled around in astonishment and pain. Evans gestured for help right away, leaping over to his chair, clearly irritated by the severity of his wound. The British man seemed to inform the physiotherapist that he was unable to walk, and it became clear to him quickly that he would not be able to go on.
Also read: Joel Embiid to Play for Team USA at 2024 Olympics
