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The British star, who won the longest match in US Open history in round one, lost 6-3 6-7 6-0 6-0 to the Australian.
Dan Evans’ US Open Dream Ends as Exhaustion Claims British Star in Four-Set Thriller Against Alex de Minaur
Brit Battles, But Fatigue Proves Too Much in Epic Showdown
Dan Evans, the seasoned British warrior, bowed out of the US Open after a gutsy but exhausting four-set defeat to Australia’s Alex de Minaur. The 34-year-old Evans, who just days prior had etched his name into the tournament's history books with a record-breaking five-hour-and-33-minute victory over Karen Khachanov, ultimately ran out of steam. His remarkable endurance finally faltered in a 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-0, 6-0 loss to de Minaur, who was relentless throughout the match, both in spirit and energy.
As Evans fought tooth and nail through the early stages, it was clear that his epic first-round clash had taken its toll, both physically and mentally. He may have left the tournament, but he did so with his pride intact and his name etched in US Open lore.
A Battle of Endurance and Heart
Evans’ first-round victory was nothing short of a marathon, both in time and in effort. His grueling win over Khachanov, which became the longest match in US Open history, had already left spectators in awe of his stamina and resolve. However, the British star paid the price for that herculean effort when he faced de Minaur, the tournament’s 10th seed and a player renowned for his tireless style and "Demon" nickname.
From the first set, it was clear that Evans was pushing his limits. De Minaur, cheered on by his British girlfriend Katie Boulter courtside, was an unrelenting force, chasing down balls that looked destined to be winners and extending rallies that should have ended much sooner. His ability to chase lost causes only exacerbated the fatigue building within Evans, forcing him to dig deeper and deeper with every point.
Alex de Minaur gets it done! pic.twitter.com/HGsxmp15JP
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2024
Despite the clear physical toll on Evans’ body, he showed flashes of his trademark grit. In the second set, after losing the first, the Brit dug deep to take it to a tiebreak and even leveled the match at one set all. But the brief resurgence came at a heavy cost. After emptying his tank to stay competitive in the first two sets, his energy reserves were nearly depleted, and the final two sets exposed the brutal reality of his fatigue.
Key Moments That Defined the Battle
The match’s turning point came during a crucial eight-minute game at 3-2 in the first set. Evans had fought his way into a 27-shot rally, but it ended with a missed opportunity, costing him vital momentum. Despite regrouping to force break point, he was unable to convert it. The momentum swung sharply in de Minaur’s favor, and the Australian seized the moment, rattling off three straight games, including two crucial breaks of serve, to claim the first set.
Even though Evans managed to break de Minaur to love in the second set and found himself serving for the set, his physical condition was visibly deteriorating. Every point seemed like an uphill battle as de Minaur's relentless energy and precision took their toll. By the third set, Evans’ legs began to fail him, and the once-competitive contest turned one-sided. De Minaur raced through the final two sets, with Evans managing only fleeting moments of resistance.
The scoreline of 6-0, 6-0 in the last two sets may suggest a drubbing, but it belied the true nature of the match. Evans fought valiantly, but in the end, his physical limitations, brought on by the grueling schedule, left him unable to match the younger, fresher Australian.
A Historic Exit, and a Glimmer of Hope
For Evans, the US Open might have ended in disappointment, but he leaves New York with more than just defeat. His place in history as the victor of the longest-ever match at the tournament will be remembered. Moreover, Evans began the process of repairing his plummeting ranking, which had taken a hit when he opted not to defend his 500 points from Washington earlier this summer, choosing instead to focus on representing Great Britain at the Olympics.
His performance, particularly his mental resilience, proves that Evans still has the fire and ability to compete at the highest level. While the physical toll was too much to overcome this time, he exits the tournament with his head held high, knowing he pushed his limits further than most ever will.
Others just wring them out by the back wall. pic.twitter.com/lTR53InV0x
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2024
De Minaur’s Dominance and the Future
On the other side of the net, Alex de Minaur was every bit the "Demon" his nickname suggests. His ability to chase down balls, extend rallies, and force his opponent into physical and mental exhaustion was on full display. Cheered on by Boulter, de Minaur remained focused, applying relentless pressure at every turn. His consistency, agility, and ability to maintain a high energy level from start to finish will make him a dangerous contender moving forward in the tournament.
De Minaur’s victory was a testament to his physical conditioning and tactical acumen, and he will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in the later stages of the US Open.
Evans Shows the Heart of a Champion
There’s no doubt that Dan Evans left everything on the court. His ability to compete at such a high level after an epic first-round marathon shows that this British veteran still has plenty of fight left in him. Although he may not have advanced further in the tournament, his legacy as a tenacious, never-say-die competitor remains intact.
For Evans, this defeat could very well be a turning point. After taking time to rest and recharge, we could see him come back stronger, smarter, and more determined than ever. His US Open journey may have ended, but the fire that drives him has only been reignited.
