“I always get the same nerves and feel an immense sense of pride” – Dan Evans on why the Davis Cup fuels his passion on court
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The Lexus Great Britain Davis Cup team have touched down in Manchester ahead of this year’s Final Group Stages, as they bid to top Group D on home soil.
This year’s tournament will see the Brits’ take on 2023 semi-finalists Finland, Argentina and 2022 champions Canada at the AO Arena in Manchester from Tuesday 10 September.
Amongst the five-strong squad set to compete across the week is the team’s most experienced Davis Cup player Dan Evans, who played a pivotal role in catapulting the Brits’ to the Final 8 in Malaga this time last year.
The 33-year-old has been a stalwart in the GB Davis Cup team since making his debut 15 years ago against Poland in the Group I semi-finals. Ever since then, Evans has relished the opportunity to represent his country at every chance, with the weeks spent competing for Great Britain being some of the best of his career so far.
“I didn’t know it was that long (since his debut) - it’s pretty good to have played for that long,” Evans said. “The team’s changed quite a lot since my debut. It was a pretty bad one, we lost the tie. There’s been plenty of good memories since then and I’ve enjoyed every moment, even the tough ones have been fun to look back on.
“My ranking wasn’t very good when I started playing Davis Cup and it was sort of my introduction to professional tennis and the tour. I did well at the start, and it really helped me progress in the rankings and gave me a lot of belief that I could play at that level.
“I’ve enjoyed every single tie I’ve played, every teammate I’ve had and every coach and member of staff that’s been there. They’ve always been great and have done everything for the players. Hopefully we give everything for them on the court and that’s the sort of two-way street we operate on.”
Over the years, Evans has produced some of the best tennis of his career while wearing the British flag on his shirt. Across the 25 ties he’s compete in for his country, the British No.5 has claimed 16 victories in singles and doubles and given the British fans something to cheer about on many occasions.
“You’re playing with your teammates and its always a very good week,” Evans added, on why he believes weeks with Great Britain brings out the very best in his game. “There’s a lot of passion, a lot of pride and great excitement to be around the guys and get out there and represent your country. It’s always an amazing week and something we all look forward to.
“The crowd is a lot bigger than the average ATP tour match, especially if you play first round. We play in such a good arena here in Manchester. We effectively get three home ties in this format and the crowd really get behind us.
“If it’s anything like last year it’ll be an amazing week - the crowd really helped us get over the line last year and that’s what we want again come match days.”
Evans could be set to compete in his 26th tie for Great Britain this week if he’s selected to play in any of the three ties against Finland, Argentina and Canada. A 26th tie will see him overtake Andy Murray to sit joint second on the all-time list for most Davis Cup ties played by a British tennis player, alongside Mike Sangster.
“It’d be an honour. Davis Cup is the biggest thing you can do for your country in this sport, and I’ve always loved representing my country. It’s always a very big occasion to step out with the British flag on your shirt and it’s something I don’t take for granted.
"Whether it’s my first, second, or 26th tie, I always get the same nerves and feel an immense sense of pride.”
Great Britain will kick-start their 2024 Davis Cup Finals Group Stages campaign against Finland on Wednesday 11 September at 13:00. You can watch all the action live on BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport website.
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