Dan Evans reveals LTA ‘shambles’ after Wimbledon wild card retirement | Tennis News
Dan Evans has called Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) “wrong,” adding that he felt it was a “total waste” to be denied a Wimbledon card before retiring from the sport.
Evans, 36, who stormed out of the match and Wimbledon after losing twice in the first round to fellow Brit Henry Searle on Wednesday, was not given the chance to play singles this year, losing in the qualifiers.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Evans aimed to single out the LTA, which also refused to give him wildcards for Queen’s and the Ilkley Open this year, with the former No 21 saying the association had failed to give him reasons why.
Sky Sports The LTA has been contacted for comment.
“Last month there was a lot of fun for them [LTA]that’s what matters,” Evans said. “You talk to people, you talk to people.
“I don’t understand the reason for that, and no one has given me a good reason [for lack of wild card].
“If they say: ‘Listen, you’re a little overweight right now,’ no, I’m serious. Like: ‘You have a serious condition,’ but no one has ever had minerals or wants to say that he’s from the governing body, which I think I’ve done a lot for, and he gave me an explanation.
“I think that’s just…Pride, isn’t it? I don’t know. Is that a word? And if you’re not going to do that, and it’s certainly not Jamie Baker’s. [Wimbledon tournament director] the work to come will give me a reason why he did not give me a wild card. It is not a tournament director to do that.
“I think somebody would have come and sat down and talked. Like, jeez, I paid enough. That’s their job. And that’s it. I enjoyed playing for my country in the Davis Cup more than I can tell you. It’s the best thing.
“I’m not mad, but jeez, tell the truth.
“You can’t give me a surprise card to Ilkley? To think they’ve all been drawn. I’ve played tennis for 16 years on tour, and I’ve always known that wild cards don’t come out on Mondays.
“On Monday before the ball is kicked on the grass in Birmingham, how are the wild cards going? We don’t have a lot of players. So I don’t care about the wild card.
“Listen, I’d love to play singles, but we all know why. Don’t give me a stupid answer about them all going to Ilkley. Come on, lads. That’s total p***-take from me. Excuse my French.
“If you can’t have a conversation and be honest … Listen, when they turn around and say: ‘You didn’t play,’ but it was like: ‘You’re a coach, you don’t get it.’ No, I was there helping another Brit when I was injured.
“I didn’t see any of these guys helping Henry when he needed help. So that was my point. It’s not against the team, but someone will come and we’ll talk.
“Communication is a big thing in tennis. That’s what I’m saying. Are they working this week? I haven’t seen any of them, seriously.
“No one has spoken to me this week. No one has congratulated me on my work this week.”
The LTA sent tributes to X for Evans after his retirement, with interviews and quotes from Sir Andy Murray, Tim Henman and Jack Draper.
The LTA also released a lengthy tribute to Evans and a statement shortly after the 36-year-old’s defeat and retirement was confirmed.
Meanwhile, LTA Chief Executive Officer Scott Lloyd said: “On behalf of everyone involved in British tennis I would like to congratulate Dan on an impressive career which includes a career-high of world No 21, two ATP Tour titles and many defining and memorable matches for Great Britain.
“He has never given less than 100 percent in the Davis Cup and the Olympics. He has contributed a lot to the game of tennis in this country and he cares a lot about this game.
“We wish him the best of luck as he embarks on the next phase of his career. We want to keep his experience in the British game and hope he will continue to contribute with his expertise.”
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