By Kingsley Elliot Kaye
Just over two weeks ago Leon Smith, British Davis Cup captain, announced the 4 players who will make up the British team. Cameron Norrie, Andy Murray, Dan Evans and Joe Salisbury.
A few eyebrows were raised at the missing name of Jack Draper, who had just made quarterfinals at Canadian Open, stunning Tsitsipas on his way.
And now, after he brushed aside without flinching the former semi-finalist, 6th seed, Felix Auger Aliassime, are further doubts surfacing?
Dan Evans is one of the four British players who made history for the UK, reaching the third round of the US Open. With Andy Murray, Cameron Norrie, and Jack Draper of course.
In the press conference after his win over Duckworth, Evans was prompted to share his views on the Davis Cup and the wide choice of British players.
“It’s amazing that there are so many guys still going (here at the US Open). (We are) all at different parts of our careers. So it’s great that Andy’s finding some form. Jack is obviously very good. Nozz (Norrie) is doing basically what he’s been doing now for two years. It’s impressive, yeah.” He said.
“It’s going to be difficult, for one person is going to get left out. But that’s why Leon is paid the big bucks. Yeah. It’s a good problem. It’s a good problem. I just hope we don’t overcomplicate it, and just put the best team on the court and let’s see who can win. And I think we will.”
Evans is confident that any choice will go down well with the team.
“You know, whatever decisions are made, I think everybody will back Leon there, and I’m sure it will be a great tournament and we have a great chance to get to the quarters, hopefully.” He said.
Then he answers the big question: is Jack getting to the stage where you kind of can’t leave him out?
“He’s playing good, of course, but the Davis Cup is a totally different animal. I’m sure Jack will be a great Davis Cup player. I’m not saying he shouldn’t go, I’m not saying he should go, but I don’t think it’s a case he can’t be left out.” Evans explains.
The world No.23 stresses that doubles is a key factor in the current formula of Davis rubbers.
“There’s got to be a place for a dubs guy or two dubs guys, and then who do you leave out then? Do you leave me out? Do you leave Andy out? Be a brave man to leave Andy Murray out in Glasgow. I mean, I think everybody is in good form. I mean, if I got left out, I’d feel hard done by. You know, it’s a tough one, isn’t it? Who do you leave out? What happens if Neal makes the final, loses in the final, wins it, and Joe loses in the final, loses in the semis, who are you going to leave out? Again, it’s not my decision. It’s a tough one.” He concluded.
