Dan Evans reveals stance on withdrawing from Olympics and sets record straight on 'angry' Andy Murray

Dan Evans

Dan Evans has admitted he considered pulling out of the Paris Olympics after injuring himself earlier in the week

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 30/07/2024

- 10:07

The two men are set to return to the court on Tuesday

Dan Evans has admitted he considered pulling out of the Paris Olympics after injuring himself earlier in the week.

But the Team GB star says that 'wouldn't sit right' with him as he looks to win gold while playing alongside Andy Murray.


Evans and Murray battled their way to a stunning victory over Kei Nishikori and Taro Daniel on Sunday, with the pair winning 2-6, 7-6, 11-9.

It means their hopes of winning a medal remain alive, with the Team GB stars poised to lock horns with Joran Vliegen and Sander Gillé on Tuesday.

Dan Evans

Dan Evans has admitted he considered pulling out of the Paris Olympics after injuring himself earlier in the week

PA

Evans suffered an injury scare on Sunday, with the 34-year-old winding himself as he scraped past Moez Echargui.

And now, writing for the Daily Mail, he's admitted he considered pulling out.

However, those thoughts are a thing of the past now with Evans honoured to be representing Great Britain out in France.

"Myself and Andy will be back out today and are hoping to build momentum," he said.

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"I lost in the singles yesterday to Stefanos Tsitsipas, but that has not been my priority.

"I thought about pulling out after I winded myself earlier in the week, but that would not sit right with me when I'm representing Great Britain at the Olympics.

"Andy has had a day to recover, so that works in our favour and we just want to start a little bit faster.

"The parties for the athletes who have finished competing look like fun, but we are not ready to join them yet!"

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Evans admits that, to the outside world, Murray can seem 'angry'.

But he insists his compatriot isn't like that behind the scenes, with Evans paying tribute to the outgoing star.

"Opponents feel an aura that he is never out of the fight," added Evans.

"People see him as an angry presence on court, but as a partner he is incredibly calm.

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Dan Evans

Dan Evans suffered an injury scare before playing with Andy Murray at the Olympics

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"The confidence he gives off is special. He's very methodical and when he's setting up for a point he gives off this feeling that it's all under control.

"A match like that takes a lot of physical and emotional energy out of you.

"It's not something we've discussed, but the narrative around his retirement makes it a big deal.

"He's one of the greatest British athletes of all-time and you wouldn't be human if that's not at the back of your mind.

Dan Evans Andy Murray

Dan Evans is eager to win Olympic gold with Andy Murray this summer

PA

"There is always more media around when it's Andy.

"Everything is under a little bit more scrutiny, but that's what you want as a player.

"We ate a bit of chicken and rice at the court [after their win on Sunday], had some treatment and then jumped in an ice bath to recover.

"Your body is full of adrenaline after a match like that so it's hard to get to sleep."

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