Dan Evans poked fun at Citi Open finalist Tallon Griekspoor after beating the Dutchman in Washington DC. The Brit also paid tribute to an ‘amazing’ week, having picked up the biggest tournament win of his career with his second-ever ATP title.
Evans will jump up to 21 in the men’s world rankings after his dream run at the Citi Open. Big wins over Frances Tiafoe and Grigor Dimitrov set up Sunday’s clash with Griekspoor, where he came through in straight sets.
Victory marks the first ATP 500 title of the 33-year-old’s career, and he will bank a healthy pay packet after prevailing 7-5 6-3 in a match which was interrupted by a 90-minute rain delay.
“Thanks to everybody for staying, first and foremost,” Evans said. “I’ve been here a lot of times now and it gets better and better.
“This year has obviously been amazing. I couldn’t have really thought about [winning] at the start of the week. Amazing week.”
Subsequently turning the attention to his beaten opponent, Evans cheekily added: “Tallon, sorry but… you’ve had enough [wins] this year. Tallon’s team – great guy, great week. To my team, thank you so much, it genuinely means the world to me. Thank you.”
An improbable win in Washington DC leaves Evans in good shape heading into the Canadian Open, where he is due to face Gabriel Diallo, and the US Open which gets underway later this month.
The Brit has never made it beyond the fourth round at Flushing Meadows, or indeed any Grand Slam tournament. Having jumped up the world rankings, Evans is now within touching distance of Cameron Norrie in the fight to be British No 1.