- Fatigue and the busy tennis schedule have been a hot topic in the sport this year
- Dan Evans says too many stars moan instead of admitting they’ve been beaten
Dan Evans has lashed out at tennis stars who complain about injuries or illness to explain their defeats, saying they should: “Fuck, shake the guy’s hand and say well done.”
Fatigue and the busy tennis schedule have been a hot topic this year, with many top players complaining of burnout and talk of a schedule overhaul.
But Evans, 35, is not one to mince words: “In general, I’m fed up with athletes who, when they lose, have a problem.” Just shake the guy’s hand and say well done.
“Nowadays, no one is ever better than us. It’s always the case, we’re tired.
“If you’re sick, you’re sick. It’s part of being a tennis player. Fatigue, schedule, you can take time off. This is not an excuse. You lost. That’s all. Pull your calf the first game you lose. It’s sport, isn’t it?
Evans arrives Wimbledon in fine form this year – touch wood, he’s playing here at Eastbourne this week – after a fall at Queen’s Club in 2024 left him hobbled for the championships.
Dan Evans has attacked tennis stars who complain of injuries or illness to explain their defeats.
The 35-year-old arrives at Wimbledon in top form this year after an injury in 2024.
He played at Wimbledon despite a knee injury, but lost in the first round to Chilean Alejandro Tabilo, then jumped straight into preparations to partner Andy Murray for his final bow at the Paris Olympics.
“Last year was very busy, there’s no doubt about that,” Evans told Eastbourne. “It took me a little longer than expected to recover. I just fell a little behind in the preparation, it seems like I’m looking for excuses after what I just said!
“Looking back, competing in the Olympics probably wasn’t the best thing for my body, but it’s what I wanted to do and, I’ve said many times, it was the best thing I’ve ever done and it would be hard to top.
“It’s good this year to be in great shape. I thought earlier that I would be first or second on this (potentially slippery) court that no one has played on. This brings back a little anxiety about it, but I’m sure everything will be fine.
