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Full Breakdown

Dan Evans Ends Singles Career After Wimbledon Qualifying Loss

6/25/2026, 1:39:41 PM

Background & Context

British tennis veteran Dan Evans, 36, announced earlier this month his intention to retire from singles after Wimbledon. A former Davis Cup champion and 2024 Olympic doubles partner of Andy Murray, Evans entered the Wimbledon qualifying draw after missing a singles wildcard, hoping to secure a main-draw spot.

Timeline

  • Early June: Evans announces retirement plan.
  • Monday, 24 June: Wins first-round qualifier at Roehampton.
  • Tuesday, 25 June: Faces Tristan Schoolkate; match halted at 12:15 p.m. due to power loss, resumes 1:30 p.m. Evans loses 7-5, 6-0, ending his singles run.

Final Qualifying Match and Retirement Confirmation

In the second round of Wimbledon qualifying, Evans fell 7-5, 6-0 to world No. 147 Tristan Schoolkate. The match was interrupted by a temporary power loss that disabled the electronic line-calling system, an issue commentators linked to the extreme heat—mid-30s °C, the hottest June day on record. Evans confirmed his retirement after the defeat.

Data & Statistics

Score: 7-5, 6-0 to Schoolkate.

Temperature: mid-30s °C, UK’s hottest June day.

Power outage at 12:15 p.m., resumed 1:30 p.m.

Evans, 36; Schoolkate, No. 147.

Official Statements & Responses

The All England Club said: “There was a temporary loss of power to part of our qualifying venue, which meant the electronic line-calling system could not function. Power has been restored and play has resumed.”

Evans said: “I thought I played pretty well today but Tristan was too good.”

Criticism & Opposition

BBC commentator Annabel Croft noted the “swelteringly hot” conditions, suggesting extreme heat contributed to the power failure and may have affected play.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “ He added, quoted by the Telegraph: "I went in the ice bath very quickly [during the break], and then had a shower, got changed.” — Dan Evans, British tennis player.
  • “Dan is a phenomenal player and I wish him all the best for after his career," Schoolkate said.” — Tristan Schoolkate, Australian tennis player.
  • “So much of the tennis today is the same old, same old. Watching him, the way he jinks it around, his slices are amazing, he's a great competitor and so many young kids can learn a lot from Dan.” — Tristan Schoolkate.
  • “There was a temporary loss of power to part of our qualifying venue, which meant that the electronic line calling system could not function. Power has now been restored and play has resumed.” — All England Club spokesperson.

What's Next

Evans will compete in the men’s doubles draw with Henry Searle at Wimbledon. Schoolkate advances to a five-set match for one of the 16 extra main-draw spots.