Evans clinches British victory over Spain to advance to United Cup City Final

Great Britain had earlier defeated Australia and finish on top of Group D in the tournament

Dan Evans at the 2022 Swiss Indoors in Basel Image Credit: AI/Reuters/Panoramic

January 1, 2023

After Paula Badosa managed to keep Spanish hopes alive with a three-set win over Harriet Dart in the first rubber of the day, Great Britain’s Dan Evans defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas in another three-setter to clinch a British win in the United Cup Group D tie.

With two wins in two ties, Great Britain now top Group D and will advance to the City Final where they will meet the winner of Group C.

After Spain went down 2-0 on Saturday, it was upto Badosa to ensure the Spaniards remain alive in the tie. The 13th ranked Spaniard held her end of the bargain as she came from a set down to beat Hart 6-7, 7-6, 6-1 in three hours and 4 minutes.

“I don’t know what happened at the second set, I started a little bit to cramp,” Badosa said. “It was high intensity, first match of the year, I was nervous. But I could adapt myself. I started to play a little bit more aggressive. I’m very happy with the fight tonight because I played and fought until the last moment.”

“It has been amazing to be part of the event up to this point” – Dan Evans on the United Cup

With the Brits leading 2-1, Evans took on Ramos-Vinolas, who stepped in for the injured Roberto Bautista Agut, in the fourth rubber of the tie. After the pair split the first two sets, it was Evans who came away with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 win in two hours and 19 minutes.

The Brits finished the tie with a 4-1 victory margin as Dart/ Jonny O’Mara defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro/ David Vega Hernandez 3-6, 6-2, 10-5 in the mixed doubles rubber.

“It is great to qualify Great Britain for the City Finals,” Evans said as quoted by the ATP Tour. “It has been amazing to be part of the event up to this point. Watching so much great tennis. Watching the ladies compete so hard, they’ve done so well for our team and got us some big points. Badosa and Dart played an amazing match before me. It is one of the best matches I have watched Harriet play.”

Having beaten Australia 3-2 in the first tie of the week, Great Britain have now won both their ties in Group D to finish on top of the standings and qualify for the City Final.