www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-11549741/Dan-Evans-no-regrets-going-public-Davis-Cup-selection-criticism.html

Good article with Dan for Mike Dickson

Just for the record, I'm putting today's Dan story (during his Aussie Open loss to Rublev) here too - because it shows what sort of guy her is, the good side, and the blunt side

"Absolutely lovely story about Dan giving Rublev a banana when Rublev had run out (and I love the 'no' for people he doesn't like - I'm guessing Jim Chardy might not have got one )

"The snack-sharing came at a changeover late in the first set, with Rublev leading 5-4. The 25-year-old Russian wanted a little sustenance tennis players often will munch on bananas during breaks in matches because they are a healthy, fat-free source of carbohydrates and potassium but he realized the courtside allotment was gone.

Evans, a 32-year-old from Britain who was seeded 25th in the years first Grand Slam tournament, had just been handed a pair of bananas by a ball kid.

So Evans flung one of the yellow fruits from where he was sitting on the sideline with his left hand, and it traveled past the chair umpires stand and over toward the other bench, where Rublev grabbed it out of the air with his left hand. Both men are righties.

The seemingly effortless throw and one-handed catch were both impressive.

I quite like him, so I shared with him, Evans said. That was about it.

Asked whether he would have provided the bit of food to someone he doesnt like, Evans, in perhaps typical British fashion, replied simply, No.

Rublev, who will face Holger Rune of Denmark on Monday for a spot in the quarterfinals, laughed about the whole thing when asked about it at his news conference.

He said hes handed bottles of water out of a sideline refrigerator to foes in the past, but he couldnt recall ever participating in an exchange of fruit.

Just a nice and fun moment between us, Rublev said. We have a great relationship between each other.

apnews.com/article/sports-healthy-eating-andrey-rublev-tennis-australian-open-9da0feb52cf9efa36e4321612e26ae39

youtu.be/wf5B15CGVws

Evo really struggling for confidence and has parted from his coach.

I hope he knows he has many fans, around here included , and we all wish him well.

Evans, ranked 25th, suffered what he described as a "difficult loss" in the French Open first round but said the positive he could take was having more time to prepare on the grass.

On Sunday, the 33-year-old revealed he split from Argentine coach Sebastien Prieto last week after mutually deciding it was "the best way to move forward".

In his first match since they parted ways, Evans was unable to earn a win which could have been a catalyst for an upturn in fortunes before Wimbledon.

Evans struggled to make a dent on 32nd-ranked Korda's serve and the impressive American, playing only his fifth match since January's Australian Open because of a wrist injury, used that pressure to break the Briton towards the end of each set.

"I'm not looking forward to playing any tennis at the minute. It's tough," Evans said.

"When you feel no confidence, it's not a good spot to be in.

"I'd love to say I'm looking forward to playing my next match but I'm not. That's the honest truth for you."

Blue_Belle wrote:

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I see the other shorter player around earned a win on grass (Schwartzman). I see Dan's issue being similar. He is that bit older and slower these days.

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 That might be a large part of it, Blue Belle. 

I think, if Dan wants to pursue it, theres a future slam winning doubles player in there. I might be wrong and Im sure the time isnt right yet to pursue it, but one day. 

I notice Dan isnt in Eastbourne next week, no Brits are by direct entry. I realise it was part of his no play the week before a slam strategy but wonder if he might seek a wild card as he is probably undercooked match play wise.

Dans wife?! Hadnt realised he had got married! Congrats to them!