“It’d be an honour”: Evans on the verge of breaking Murray’s Davis Cup record

Dan Evans is on the verge of overtaking Andy Murray on the all-time list of most Davis Cup ties played for Great Britain. Both Evans and Murray have thus far played 25 ties for their country.

The 2024 Davis Cup Finals kicked off on Tuesday with 16 distinguished nations spread across four groups in contention at four cities, including Bologna, Valencia, Zhuhai, and Manchester. Great Britain has been drawn in Group D alongside Canada, Argentina, and Finland as the nations play in Manchester for two berths in the Davis Cup Final 8 to be held in Malaga in November this year.

The British challenge will be led by the world No 20 Jack Draper, Billy Harris, Dan Evans, Henry Patten, and Neal Skupski under the aegis of Leon Smith. They will start their campaign against Finland on Wednesday and later play Argentina on Friday and the 2022 champions Canada on Sunday at AO Arena.

Among the five Britons, Evans is the most experienced in the line-up as he shares the third spot with Andy Murray on the all-time list of most Davis Cup ties played for Great Britain.

Thus, the world No 178 can surpass the three-time Grand Slam champion if he makes the roster in any of Great Britain’s three ties scheduled for the week. With his 26th appearance, Evans will join compatriot Mike Sangster in the second place behind Bobby Wilson, who has played 34 ties.

Regarding the same, Evans voiced his love for his country.

“It’d be an honour. Davis Cup is the biggest thing you can do for your country in this sport, and I’ve always loved representing my country.

Dan Evans

“It’s always a very big occasion to step out with the British flag on your shirt and it’s something I don’t take for granted. Whether it’s my first, second, or 26th tie, I always get the same nerves and feel an immense sense of pride,” he told the media (via LTA).

Evans carried the British colors on his shoulders for the first time in 2009. Since then, he has collected 16 wins in singles and doubles in the World Cup of Tennis.

“I didn’t know it was that long, it’s pretty good to have played for that long,” Evans added. “The team’s changed quite a lot since my debut. I’ve enjoyed every single tie I’ve played, every teammate I’ve had and every coach and member of staff that’s been there. They’ve always been great and have done everything for the players. Hopefully, we give everything for them on the court and that’s the sort of two-way street we operate on.”

The 34-year-old was notably a part of the 2015 title-winning squad with Andy Murray and others. He took the court against Australia in the semi-finals and was a substitute for the final vs Belgium.

Great Britain thumped Belgium 3-1 in the summit clash backed by the heroics of Murray, who played his last competitive match, a doubles effort alongside Evans at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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