Dan Evans has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Eastbourne Open organizers for not featuring British players on the prestigious Centre Court after his recent victory streak was disrupted by American player Jenson Brooksby. In a match that ended 6-2, 6-3 in favor of Brooksby, Evans appeared visibly troubled by distractions from Brooksby’s coaching section, culminating in a code violation for kicking a covers off a courtside microphone.
Following the match, Evans shared his concerns regarding the scheduling of matches, questioning why he and fellow British player Billy Harris were assigned to Court One instead of the more prominent Centre Court. Evans highlighted the significant draw that British players have for local fans, stating, “The British fans come here to watch British players, they don’t come to watch anybody else. It’s just a fact.”
His remarks underscore the ongoing conversation about the representation of home players in major tournaments, particularly in their own country, and the importance of catering to local audiences. Evans’ situation reflects a broader sentiment among athletes about the significance of national pride and fan engagement in sports events.
This season, Evans has shown impressive form, and his critique serves as a reminder of the unique connection between local players and their supporters, which event organizers could capitalize on to enhance spectator experience.