Great Britain’s dreams of advancing to the Davis Cup quarter-finals were shattered following Dan Evans’ defeat to Canada’s Denis Shapovalov. The British team, led by Leon Smith, entered the final tie at Manchester’s packed AO Arena knowing that only a 3-0 victory would secure their progression, following their loss to Argentina on Friday and other group results.
However, former top-10 star Shapovalov outperformed Evans in just an hour and 21 minutes, winning 6-0 7-5.
Despite the best efforts of the record-breaking 15,700-strong crowd, larger than Wimbledon’s Centre Court, to inspire the 34-year-old, he was unable to push for a deciding set. This marks the second time in three years that Britain has been eliminated in the group stage, highlighting the limited options available to captain Smith in the wake of Andy Murray’s retirement.
The Lawn Tennis Association has poured significant funds into hosting team events over recent years. While Jack Draper is expected to be a strong number one for years to come, Evans, at 34 and slipping down the rankings, is likely past his prime.
Cameron Norrie has also had a challenging year due to injury.
Billy Harris, who made a promising debut on Wednesday but lacks experience at the top level, is already 29. It is anticipated that Smith will soon turn to younger talents like 23-year-old Scot Jacob Fearnley and last year’s Wimbledon junior champion Henry Searle.
Evans, who was Britain’s standout player in both singles and doubles last year, leading the team to the quarter-finals, has struggled with form and fitness since then. He failed to make an impact in the match.
Shapovalov immediately broke Evans’ serve, silencing the crowd. From there, it was a downhill battle for Evans, who only managed to win nine points in the first set and seemed to surrender in the final game.
Despite a spirited start to the second set, where he rallied with each point won, his opportunity came with two break points in the ninth game.
However, Shapovalov, currently ranked 100th due to a knee injury but showing impressive form this week, saved both break points and ended Evans’ fightback with a break in the final game.
This victory ensures that Canada, the Davis Cup champions from two years ago, will join Argentina in progressing from Group D to the final eight event in Malaga in November.
