KNOXVILLE, November 16, 2015
Daniel Evans clinched the title at the US-$ 50,000 Knoxville ATP Challenger, winning the final on Sunday against Frances Tiafoe 5-7, 6-1, 6-3.
The 25-year-old Brit won 86% of his first service points, saved three of the six break points he faced and converted six of his own to prevail in one hour and 37 minutes. After lifting four trophies on the ITF Future Circuit this season, it is the first Challenger title for Evans in six years. His last came in Jersey in 2009.
The Birmingham resident takes away US-$ 7,200 in prize money as well as 80 ATP ranking points. “It’s a good steppingstone,” Evans said. “I’m looking forward to the rest of the year.”
The new world number 185 expects to be on the Great Britain team in the Davis Cup final against Belgium, even if he is not in the line-up. “I think I’ll go regardless,” Evans said. “It’s a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in the final of the Davis Cup, and I’m looking forward to it.”
“I played great this week,” Tiafoe said. “It’s too bad I had to end with a loss here in the final. I really wanted to take the title, but it happens.” The 17-year-old became the youngest player in the top 200 on Monday, ranked on 182nd position.
Earlier the day, third seeds Johan Brunstrom and Frederik Nielsen took the doubles title, winning 6-1, 6-2 against US-American team of Sekou Bangoura and Matt Seeberger. The match lasted 53 minutes.
