Lexus Eastbourne Open 2025: Dan Evans beats Tommy Paul to join Billy Harris in quarter-finals
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There will be two British stars flying the flag in the Lexus Eastbourne Open quarter-finals after impressive victories for Dan Evans and Billy Harris.
Evans picked up arguably the upset of the day, knocking out world No.13 and 2024 Queen’s champion Tommy Paul 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Meanwhile, the dream run for lucky loser Harris continues thanks to a 6-3, 6-4 win over Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in exactly an hour and a half.
For former British No.1 Evans, it’s his second top 20 win in as many weeks having also defeated American Frances Tiafoe in the opening round of the HSBC Championships.
This will be his first ATP quarter-final since his run to the Citi Open title in 2023, where he will now face another American in Jenson Brooksby.
Evans ended a run of British losses on Centre Court today after Jodie Burrage and Emma Raducanu were both defeated in long three set battles.
Paul came in flat having not played a match on grass this season and Evans took full advantage, especially in the closing moments of the third set.
Having surrendered his early break in the set, Evans managed to restore his lead after a lengthy game at 4-3 to give himself the chance to serve it out. Facing a second match point, Paul sprayed a forehand wide – his 43rd unforced error of the match – to give the Brit another signature win this summer.
Reflecting on what it took to get through the final stages, Evans commented: “I said to myself, enjoy it, this is what it’s about and I played much better tennis. I played good tennis again and thanks again to the crowd, you got me through.
“I know I’ve done the work, once I got some confidence, I knew the work was in the bank.
“A good friend said, if you’re ready and the doors open, you’ll walk through it and if you’re not you won’t. There’s been no truer word the past few weeks and hopefully there’s more to come.”
Harris has now made the quarter-finals at an ATP event three times, all coming on the grass – Eastbourne twice in 2024 and 2025, as well as Queen’s last year.
He’s only the third British man to reach multiple quarter-finals here in Eastbourne, joining Kyle Edmund (2018 & 2019) and Cam Norrie (2018 & 2022).
It was a straightforward win for the British No.4, needing just a single break in either set to book a place in the last eight.
“I’m definitely happy with how I played. I managed to get that first break, which against someone like Bellucci is important as he plays well when he’s got the rhythm. Played a good solid match throughout and I’m very happy. To go from lucky loser to winning a few matches, everything is a bonus.
With wins over Bellucci and Norrie so far, the road only gets tougher for Harris as he gets set to take on fourth seed Ugo Humbert in the next round.
“Another left hander, that’s three in a row. It’s good that I’m used to that now. I haven’t played or practiced with him so I’ll have to get home now and do the homework.”
Harris will play Humbert in the first match on Court 1 tomorrow, followed by Evans against Brooksby.
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