BBC Sport · Sep 11, 2024
Evans gives Great Britain strong start in Davis Cup
Dan Evans ensured Great Britain's quest to reach the Davis Cup knockout stage started strongly with a hard-fought victory in their opening tie against Finland, as Jack Draper was rested.
Evans, 34, won 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 against 703rd-ranked Eero Vasa to put the host nation 1-0 ahead in the best-of-three Group D tie in Manchester on Wednesday.
With US Open semi-finalist Draper not included, the late-blooming Billy Harris was handed a Davis Cup debut in the second match of the tie, knowing he could secure victory for Britain.
British men's number one Draper sat out this opening tie following his exploits in reaching the last four in New York last week.