2023 was a massive year for Birmingham-born Dan Evans, potentially the biggest of his career to date. Here’s a look back at the 33-year-old’s standout achievements this year as he looks to kick on in 2024.
First ATP 500 Title
The 7th August 2023 was undoubtedly the greatest day of Evans’ career, as he overcame Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets to win the Citi Open in Washington. It was his second ATP Tour title – his first coming at the Murray River Open in 2021 – and his first ATP 500 victory to date.
Evans won’t get carried away with this win, but it will fill the Brummie with confidence ahead of what could be a breakthrough year. Having not advanced beyond the third round of a Grand Slam event in 2023, Evans will be hoping to make waves in the new year. However, winning one of these tournaments is a long shot given the dominance of Novak Djokovic.
Those looking to bet on favourites in tennis will find the Serbian at 9/2 to win three or more Grand Slams in 2024. The world number one featured front and centre in the tennis betting tips to come out on top in this year’s majors, and Djokovic duly delivered.
Not all hope is lost. Evans has several wins over the world’s top 10 players in his career, one of which is Djokovic. The Brit earned a hard-fought two-set victory against the Serbian in Monte Carlo in 2021.
He also recorded his latest win over a top 10 opponent this year, beating American Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 7-5 en route to victory in Washington.
EVO DOES IT 🙌
Dan Evans is the men's singles champion in DC!#MubadalaCitiDCOpen pic.twitter.com/ro9hDMz1Hu— Mubadala Citi DC Open (@mubadalacitidc) August 7, 2023
Career High Ranking of 21st
Evan’s run to the Citi Open title was very impressive. In a talent-stacked field, he beat Tiafoe in the quarter-final, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-final, before emerging triumphant in the final against Griekspoor.
Evans became the first Englishman to win in Washington for two decades, following in the footsteps of the great Tim Henman. This title and his remarkable run to victory saw Evans reach a career-high ranking of 21st in the world.
This would have been unthinkable given Evans arrived in the US capital on the back of a poor run of form, losing seven straight matches. But Evans turned things around, and he did so in style, seeing off some tough competitors on the way to lifting his most prestigious title yet.
The 𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐒𝐓 title of his career! 🏆
— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 7, 2023
Dan Evans wins the Citi Open in Washington DC! 🥳
He moves up nine places to world No. 21, a career best for the Brit 📈 pic.twitter.com/VTldQMXEkD
British Number 2
Another title Evans will be eying up in 2024 is that of British number one. He is currently second in the British rankings, trailing only world number 18 Cameron Norrie. Evans will end the year as world number 38, which places him above Scottish legend Andy Murray, as well as a couple of emerging youth prospects.
Evans overcame some real adversity this year, mainly ending a poor losing streak with his biggest tournament win. If he can continue on an upward trajectory, the sky is the limit for the Birmingham boy in 2024.
