Dan Evans finally came of age on Sunday, after he held his nerve
to carry team GB to Davis Cup glory over Slovakia. Evans in only his 3rd
ever Davis cup tie had breezed through the first 2 sets in under an hour against
Martin Klizan ranked 156 places ahead of him. However a lapse in concentration
and an improved opponent nearly allowed the match to slip away, but the
determined Brit dug deep to claim his second scalp in three days with a score
of 6-1 6-1 4-6 3-6 6-3.
Evans had started the match much the brighter player,
putting his nerves to one side to throw his higher ranked opponent. Klizan on
the back of victory over James Ward on Friday looked lost from the off, as a
combination of errors and inspired play from Evans left the Slovakian trailing
a double break. A dream start for Britain saw their man comfortably see out the
first set 6-1 with Klizan stunned by the one sided score line.
The second set picked up where the fist left off, as Evans
was again quick to seize an advantage with another early break. Klizan remained
clueless and had no response to Evans variety of shots, with his aggressive
return of serve and faultless net play concluding in another one side set to
put Britain in full control.
However missed opportunities at the start of the third set proved
costly; as an improved Klizan found the form which helped him become a top 100 player.Dispite
this Evans continued to be positive and responded to any deficits he faced, as
both players established a good rhythm on serve. But at 4-4 the errors crept in
to the Evans game, as the match was quickly turned to see Klizan half the deficit.
Now inspired Klizan took no time in snatching a break in the
fourth, as the Brit’s hard work was then cancelled out. An early break making the
difference producing a decider. But then it was Evans who rediscovered his form,
as improved serving allowed him to regain a foot hold in the match. The Slovakian
now favourite to take the victory could do nothing, as Evans took his chance with
tremendous returning to break serve and again take momentum. Klizan then couldn’t
reply, as a determined effort saw Evans close out the match with an almighty effort.
The victory for Evans off the back of a straight sets win over
Lukas Lacko guiding his country to victory with two crucial rubbers. The other
win coming from doubles pairing Ross Hutchins and Colin Fleming yesterday while
James Ward was unfortunate as he failed
to win either of his matches against Lacko or Klizan. A big win for Britain and
captain Leon Smith who remains unbeaten while in charge despite the absence of
Andy Murray. The victory now sets up a tie with Belgium on the 6th
of April to progress to the world group play offs.
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