Novak Djokovic is into the Wimbledon second round, and as such will face Dan Evans on Thursday.
The Serbian’s conquest for a 25th Grand Slam title seemed destined to start at a canter when he rushed into an early one-set lead. However, his inability to convert a myriad of break points allowed Alexandre Müller to take the second set, shocking many.
In the end, he regained focus and cruised to victory, but not without a little chink in the armour that will entice Evans.
Speaking about the British star, Novak Djokovic gave his honest opinion on Dan Evans, and also delved deeper into how his fellow professionals view him.
Novak Djokovic previews Wimbledon match vs Dan Evans
Speaking in his post-match press conference, as he marked his return to Wimbledon with a hard-fought win, Djokovic’s attention swiftly turned to his round-two opponent.
And, preparing to face a Brit, he is well aware of the hardships that will present.
Asked to expand upon his relationship with Evans, and how he is regarded across the tour, the 38-year-old claimed: ‘He is super talented. A great competitor. Always backs himself up on the court and believes in himself.
‘Playing against a Brit in Britain is never easy. I have to be ready for a great battle. I have not played him for a long time.
‘The only time we have played was on clay, actually. He beat me in Monte-Carlo. He uses his slice quite a lot and I think that favours grass courts because the ball stays low, he can serve and volley, he chips the ball, comes in. He mixes up the pace. He’s a really tricky opponent; you don’t want to have him in the draw in the early rounds.
‘But it’s a good test for both of us. He has been picking his form up as well. His rankings are not doing him justice at the moment. He deserves to be ranked higher.
‘He has been a really tough player to face on any surface particularly on the grass and quicker ones. I know that because it’s always the talk of the locker room and he is one of the guys you don’t want to face on grass.
‘I look forward to a good challenge!’
Could Dan Evans upset Novak Djokovic?
Evans’ 2025 has been far from smooth-sailing, with the 35-year-old forced to spend the bulk of it skulking around the Challenger Tour.
And, adding to that frustration has been his regular inability to go deep in these events, manifesting in his emotional state at Queen’s and now at Wimbledon.
One question actually brought Evans to tears earlier this week, as he spoke about wanting to make sure what he was doing was worthwhile.
Well, since the grass-court campaign has rolled around, he’s been that and so much more.
Defeating Frances Tiafoe at Queen’s, and Tommy Paul in Eastbourne, Evans exhibited his ability to compete alongside the very best.
And whilst Djokovic poses a new threat altogether, there’s no reason why the former British number one’s awkward game style can’t at least unsettle the seven-time champion, especially after his win over Müller, which was at times unconvincing.
