Andy Murray congratulated Dan Evans on his retirement from professional tennis on 1 July 2026. Evans announced his decision after losing in the opening round of the men's doubles.
What happened?
Evans and Henry Searle lost to Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Hugo Nys in straight sets, 6-2 and 6-4, on Court 15. This marked Evans' final Grand Slam appearance.
Evans expressed frustration over being left out of the Wimbledon singles, claiming the ATP "didn't have the minerals" to explain the decision. He stated, "I just don’t understand the reasoning for it, and nobody has given me a decent reason."
Why it matters for Andy Murray
Murray and Evans have a long history of playing together, including their time on Great Britain's successful 2015 Davis Cup team. Murray described Evans as "unbelievably talented" and praised his competitive spirit.
Murray told the LTA, "He’s got a good heart Evo and he absolutely loves British tennis. He’s been a huge part of the Davis Cup teams over the years." Murray also appreciated Evans' unique playing style, saying it's "always fun to watch him."
What comes next?
Evans plans to give back to the next generation, having already started training with Britain’s 2023 Wimbledon Junior Boys’ singles champion Searle. Evans said, "I want to give back to somebody from my sort of area. There's something about him that excites me."
Evans' retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire young players. Murray's heartfelt message is a testament to the respect and admiration Evans has earned throughout his career.
The 36-year-old Evans reached a career-high ranking of 21st in the world just three years ago. His dedication to British tennis has been unwavering, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
As Evans begins his post-retirement journey, he can look back on a successful career with pride. Murray's congratulations and praise are a fitting tribute to a talented player and a true champion of British tennis.