WASHINGTON, June 29, 2020 (by Michael Dickens)
British No. 1 Dan Evans proved his might throughout the week – beating all comers – and when it ended Sunday afternoon, he won the Schroders Battle of the Brits with a performance that was rich in quality. The 28th-ranked Evans defeated British No. 2 Kyle Edmund, 6-3, 6-2, in one hour and 18 minutes at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, England.
From 2-all in the second set, Evans strung together four straight games, including two breaks of the 44th-ranked Edmund’s serve, in the sixth and final games to win going away. Evans converted six of 11 break-point opportunities.
“It was literally like a tough event,” said Evans, who competed in both singles and doubles and took runner-up honors in doubles. “I wasn’t sure how it was going to be.
“Thanks to everyone who has worked at the tournament, all the players have loved it – they’ve been raving about it. It’s been a long week and a great week. Hopefully, we can do it all again.”
And the winner is…
British No. 1 Dan Evans defeats Edmunds 6-3, 6-2 to win the #BattleoftheBrits championship. pic.twitter.com/TkwwjZWyz2
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 28, 2020
Evans advanced with a Saturday semifinal win over British No. 3 Andy Murray. However, the 129th-ranked Murray pulled out of Sunday’s third-place playoff with a shin problem. Still, he was still on court in a coaching capacity on behalf of James Ward, who took his place in the consolation match on short notice against Cameron Norrie. The 77th-ranked Norrie won 6-3, 7-5.
After losing Saturday’s semifinal to the eventual champion, Murray told the BBC: “My game is there; I just need more time to practice and prepare and I’ll get there.
“Some of the tennis this week has been very encouraging. I just wasn’t able to do it for long enough in the matches.”
Then, following the third-place match on Sunday, Murray said: “Cam played well throughout but I think Wardie definitely upped his level in the second set. It was good. I think that is what all the players wanted from this week was high-level competitive tennis and we certainly got that from most of the matches I have seen.”
Saturday’s doubles final was won by tournament organizer Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski over Evans and Lloyd Glasspool, 0-6, 6-2, 10-6.
Doubles @battleofthebrits Champions! Big thanks to @jamie__murray and everyone involved making the event possible. It’s been a massive success and hopefully it’s the first of many. #battleofthebrits #tennis #doubles #schroders #teamsoul #champions pic.twitter.com/GQFekWMvRm
— Neal Skupski (@nealskupski) June 27, 2020
Brown withdraws from Ultimate Tennis Showdown
Dustin Brown of Germany was forced to withdraw from the Ultimate Tennis Showdown competition with a right ankle injury prior to his Sunday match against Belgium’s David Goffin. Brown finished with an 0-5 record. His place was taken by Elliott Benchetrit of France.
Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece remains on top of the standings after the sixth day of competition with a 5-1 win-loss record.
When your ranking is with your ambitions @StefTsitsipas leads the way through Day 6 while @ThiemDomi climbs into the top 4 for the first time…
What’s your dream #UTShowdown Final Four? pic.twitter.com/YcXwiqVYb4
— UTS | Ultimate Tennis Showdown (@UTShowdown) June 28, 2020
The Way Back Machine / Simon Halep, Wimbledon 2019
This photo was taken a year ago, on @Wimbledon media day. I like it because I look very relaxed
I had no idea what would happen in the next two weeks but looking back I can remember feeling happy and ready to play. Missing this special place ❤️#WimbledonRecreated pic.twitter.com/YyjdlCJmvw
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) June 27, 2020
What they’re saying
Stuart Fraser, tennis correspondent, The Times of London: “Great effort by Jamie Murray to get live and meaningful tennis back on in Britain, and the coverage on Amazon Prime all week has been excellent.”
Russell Fuller, BBC Sports tennis correspondent: “Dan Evans underlines why he’s currently the best in Britain, as he breaks Kyle Edmund six times to win the Battle of the Brits. Looks like he’s already ready for the restart. … It’s been an excellent week, expertly put together. And just what we all needed after so long without live sport.”
What they’re podcasting
On Monday, The Tennis Podcast begins Wimbledon Re-Lived.
Tomorrow, we will start to re-live Wimbledon.
Who’s ready to go back in time? #WimbledonRelived pic.twitter.com/6GpDsPpAaC
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) June 28, 2020
What they’re sharing on social media
Wimbledon / A very different Wimbledon …
A very different #Wimbledon eve… pic.twitter.com/m3esPTeaZH
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2020
Billie Jean King / Thank to you all who are doing your part …
Thank you to all who are doing their part to stay healthy and safe, and to keep others healthy and safe too. #maskup pic.twitter.com/MRjFMJXTIN
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 27, 2020
