Last update on. From the section Tennis
Dan Evans is now in the fourth round for the Grand Slam for the second time.
US Open 2021 Venue Flushing Meadows New York Date: 30-08-12 September Coverage: Daily radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra/BBC Sport website or app. Also, live text commentaries and match report on the app and website.
Dan Evans made a determined comeback after losing two sets to Alexei Popyrin to win a tough match. He will now be playing in the US Open fourth round.
The Briton managed to find a surge of energy in the final tie-break and won 4-6,3-6,6-3,6-4 7-6 (7-1) within four hours seven minutes.
Evans fell to his knees in disbelief when his victory was confirmed by a Popyrin double error.
Next, he will be facing Daniil Medvedev.
After his 2017 run to the 16th round at the Australian Open, Evans is now in the fourth round of a Grand Slam.
He is a determined performer who has achieved this feat, especially when you consider that his hard-court swing preparations were interrupted by Covid-19.
As the fifth set began, both players appeared exhausted. However, Evans was stronger on serve and was able step up in key moments.
He won the tie-break and consoled Popyrin at net. Popyrin was left with a towel covering his face after the final point.
Evans stated, "I look forward to relaxing."
It was hard to come back from Wimbledon when I was poor. That match could have been lost easily for me."
Evans takes charge at a crucial moment
Evans had reached the third round of the US Open three times before, but had never advanced beyond that stage.
Evans admitted to his frustrations about his Grand Slam form in this season's tournament. He lost the Australian and French Opens first rounds, before reaching the Wimbledon third round.
Although he started the year strong, winning his first ATP Tour title at January, he hasn't played much since July when he contracted Covid-19.
He broke Popyrin to love in his first game. However, his 22-year old opponent capitalized on a dip Evans' form.
Evans struggled to find rhythm during the first two sets. However, he was still capable of creating break opportunities. But Popyrin's massive serve and follow up forehand enabled him to take a lead in the second set.
Midway through the third set Evans broke for the first-time since the opening with a lobbed win that earned him applause.
The Briton battled his way out of the 0-30 hole in his next game of service and came up with a big winner to complete the set.
Evans was supported by his team who were always on their feet after each major point. Evans won a fourth set with five serves and a tiebreak to force an unlikely winner.
Evans called for a tablet, and Evans asked Evans to get one. However, Evans and Popyrin still approached the net with a startling ease, and both players were clearly at their physical limits. Popyrin received a standing ovation after he managed to win a pick-up volleyball at the net.
Popyrin won the first point of tie-break with an ace, but Evans won it all the way.
Although it felt almost cruel for the Australian to lose the match due to a double error, he left court 17 to a standing applause, while Evans, exhausted, looked on in disbelief.
Evans will be up against Medvedev in 2019, who is yet to drop a New York set. However, Evans can still take heart from his third-round win.
