Dan Evans makes 'annoying' Carlos Alcaraz admission ahead of US Open showdown
Dan Evans has opened up ahead of Carlos Alcaraz US Open showdown
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Dan Evans has admitted he finds it 'annoying' they he's on the same side of the US Open draw as Carlos Alcaraz.
The Brit booked his place in the third round of the competition with a 1-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Botic van de Zandschulp.
As for Alcaraz, the reigning champion overcame Lloyd Harris in straight sets as he looks to win a third Grand Slam title of his career.
And Evans, speaking prior to their exciting showdown, has admitted he finds it 'annoying' they're paired on the same side of the draw.
Carlos Alcaraz is looking to retain his US Open title ahead of Dan Evans clash
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“It's a very difficult draw,” said the 33-year-old. “It's a little annoying to have him in the draw but it is what it is.
"It will be a good match. I am really looking forward to it and will play aggressively.
"There's been a few upsets on that court before. I played a good match in Barcelona this year on his favourite surface and he played well obviously.
"I have some insight into how he will play.
“He will obviously be the overwhelming favourite.
"It's a good opportunity to play a very good tennis player on a big stage. That is why you play tennis."
Alcaraz has lost just three hard court matches this year, winning 18.
He's the strong favourite ahead of the match with Evans - yet believes he's in for a 'tough' test of his mettle as he looks to continue his outstanding form.
“We played a few times. He's a really tough player. Good serve and volley, good net game," said the Spaniard.
"It's going to be really tough. I will play my best.
"I will have to return very, very well if I want to win that match. Let's see how it's going to be.”
Alcaraz also feels he played a 'strong match' as he put Harris to the sword, saving nine of 10 break points he faced during the match.
"I played a great match from the beginning of the match until the last ball," he said.
“If I have to pick out something I think I played a good second set without many mistakes and playing my game.”
He added: "I did have a bad game in the third set when I got broken and I had to forget it.
“I stayed strong mentally and played a great return game to break back. It was very important for me to get another straight-sets win in the first rounds.”
Alcaraz and Evans have met twice in the past, with the Spaniard winning both of their previous showdowns.
The Spaniard beat Evans 6-2, 6-2 in Barcelona earlier this year.
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Carlos Alcaraz set up a clash with Britain's Dan Evans after beating Lloyd Harris at the US Open
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And Alcaraz cruised to a 6-4, 6-3 win over Evans when they met in Austria two years ago.
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