Tuesday saw Dan Evans and Katie Boulter complete straight-sets victories in the Almaty Open and Ningbo Open, respectively, with Harriet Dart completing a comeback three-set victory to progress in the Japan Women’s Open. Former British No. 1 Cameron Norrie was unsuccessful in his first tour appearance since July, though, after defeat in the opening round of the Stockholm Open.
Qualifier Dan Evans progressed to the second round of the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan, defeating Japan’s Taro Daniel 6-2 7-6 on Tuesday.
Evans survived two double faults in his opening two service games before breaking Daniel’s serve in the fourth.
The Brit then got his serve firing, hitting aces at game point in both the fifth and seventh to take a commanding 5-2 lead in the opening set.
Evans won his second break point to secure the opening set five minutes later, winning all four points without response to take a 1-0 lead in 42 minutes.
More aces followed for Evans in his opening three service games of the next set, although the 34-year-old failed to capitalise on two break points in the sixth game.
Daniel would secure his first break of the match in the following game to take a 4-3 lead in the set, but Evans converted a vital break point to keep the set alive at 5-5.
Two Evans aces in the proceeding game left Daniel serving to keep the match alive, which the world No. 89 did successfully.
Another important ace in the early stages of the tiebreaker gave Evans an advantage that his opponent could not overcome, with the former British No. 1 clinching the decider to close out the second set.
He will face Cincinnati Open finalist and top seed Frances Tiafoe in round two.
Dan Evans Progresses in Almaty Open
Dan Evans, a former British No. 1, kicked off his campaign in Kazakhstan’s Almaty Open with an impressive straight-sets victory over Japan’s Taro Daniel, winning 6-2, 7-6 on Tuesday. Despite two double faults in his initial service games, Evans managed to find his rhythm early, breaking Daniel’s serve in the fourth game of the first set. He then established a firm 5-2 lead, capitalizing on powerful serves that featured aces at game points in both the fifth and seventh games.
Evans didn’t allow Daniel any response when securing his second break point, ultimately clinching the opening set in just 42 minutes. The Briton’s serve was particularly effective in this match; he continued to hit aces consistently, creating pressure for Daniel in both sets.
The second set saw a bit more drama. Evans missed two break points in the sixth game, providing Daniel a slight opening, which the Japanese player utilized to gain his first break and move ahead at 4-3. Yet, Evans was resilient, breaking back to level the score at 5-5. Two crucial aces in his next service game kept Evans ahead, leaving Daniel in a position to serve to stay in the match.
A decisive tiebreaker determined the outcome of the match, with Evans pulling ahead thanks to another timely ace. Daniel struggled to counter the pressure, allowing Evans to seal the victory with confidence. Evans, currently ranked 34 years of age and with extensive tour experience, will now face top seed and recent Cincinnati Open finalist Frances Tiafoe in the second round. This upcoming match against Tiafoe will pose a considerable challenge, as Tiafoe is known for his agility, resilience, and powerful shot-making.
Katie Boulter Shines at Ningbo Open
Meanwhile, British No. 1 Katie Boulter continued to impress with her own straight-sets victory at the Ningbo Open in China. Boulter’s recent performances have bolstered her reputation as a rising star in British tennis. With a series of strong showings across multiple tournaments, she’s demonstrated increased confidence, and her ability to control rallies from the baseline has paid dividends.
Her win in Ningbo saw her showcasing this skill set, outlasting her opponent with both finesse and power. Boulter, who has steadily climbed the WTA rankings, will look to build on her momentum as the tournament progresses. A deep run in the Ningbo Open could prove instrumental in her push for a higher ranking and a place in the upper echelons of women’s tennis.
Harriet Dart Stages Comeback in Japan Women’s Open
In the Japan Women’s Open, Harriet Dart showcased resilience and fighting spirit, managing a comeback three-set win to advance further in the tournament. The match did not start in Dart’s favor, as she dropped the opening set and looked at risk of an early exit. However, she regrouped, adapting her game plan to focus on longer rallies and target her opponent’s weaknesses.
Dart’s comeback in the second set ignited her competitive edge, as she found her footing with consistent baseline play and smart placement on her returns. By the third set, Dart was fully in control, allowing her to close out the match and secure her spot in the next round. This victory marks a positive step for Dart as she continues to push forward on the WTA Tour, hoping to establish herself as a consistent competitor in women’s singles.
Cameron Norrie Falls Short in Stockholm Open
Not all British players enjoyed success this week. Cameron Norrie, the former British No. 1, faced disappointment in his opening round of the Stockholm Open, his first tour appearance since July. Norrie, who has been sidelined from competitive play due to an injury, appeared to struggle with match sharpness and fluidity in his movement. Although he showed glimpses of the form that once placed him among Britain’s top players, Norrie’s time away from the game became apparent as he fell to his opponent in the opening round.
This loss represents a challenging moment for Norrie, who will need to regain both fitness and confidence to compete with the world’s best. With the season drawing to a close, Norrie might use the off-season to focus on training, conditioning, and preparing for a stronger start next year.
A Look Ahead: The Path for British Tennis
The recent performances of British players across the ATP and WTA tours highlight a range of successes and challenges. Dan Evans’ win in Almaty offers a promising start to his campaign, and he faces a significant test against Frances Tiafoe. A victory there could propel Evans deeper into the tournament, providing a confidence boost and potentially enhancing his ranking. Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart, on the WTA side, are each finding their stride. Boulter has exhibited a strong all-around game, while Dart’s tenacity and ability to stage comebacks highlight her growth and potential.
As for Cameron Norrie, his road back will require patience and perseverance. His defeat in Stockholm may serve as motivation for the upcoming season, where he will aim to recapture his best form and make a significant impact on the ATP Tour once more.
With a diverse group of players capable of producing high-level performances, British tennis seems poised to remain competitive on both the men’s and women’s tours. Each player’s journey comes with unique challenges, and their successes and setbacks underscore the dedication required to excel in the sport. Fans and followers of British tennis will undoubtedly be eager to watch these players continue to evolve and strive for success on the global stage.