Team GB tennis star Dan Evans has made a significant sacrifice to compete alongside Andy Murray at the 2024 Paris Olympics, dropping a staggering 111 places in the ATP rankings. Evans, previously ranked 58th in the world, has fallen to 169th after choosing to play the Olympics instead of defending his ranking points at the ATP 500 Washington Open.
The decision to prioritise the Olympics over individual ranking points highlights the importance of the Games for Evans, particularly playing alongside his fellow Brit, Andy Murray. The pair have formed a formidable doubles partnership, showcased in their dramatic first-round victory over Japan's Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel. The British duo fought back from the brink of defeat, saving an incredible five match points in a match that Evans describes as "something I'll remember forever."
This memorable win came at a personal cost for Evans, as he relinquished valuable ranking points in pursuit of Olympic glory. Despite the ranking drop, Evans remains unfazed, stating that the opportunity to share the court with Murray, who is set to retire after the Games, is an honour he wouldn't trade for anything. "I've never saved five match points in a row and I never will again," Evans remarked, "It would be amazing if we could go on to do something really special this week."
Murray, who is widely considered a British sporting icon, also acknowledges the magnitude of their comeback. "In terms of my great comebacks, it's probably up there," he said, "I don't think I've ever saved five match points in a row before." The pair will be looking to carry their momentum into their second-round match against Belgium's Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen.
While Evans may have sacrificed his individual ranking in the short term, the opportunity to play with a legend like Murray at the Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the Games marking the end of Murray's illustrious tennis career, Evans and Murray are determined to make their final outing together a memorable one.
