Evans eyes Alcaraz prize as Britain’s tremendous six step up US Open cost
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he magnificent seven has been lowered by one after Lily Miyazaki’s exit from the US Open on Wednesday, and now the six remaining Britons will goal to increase their stays right here in New York.
Jodie Burrage has the hardest activity, towards No2 seed Aryna Sabalenka, whereas Andy Murray’s conflict with Grigor Dimitrov is first up on Arthur Ashe Stadium within the warmth of the afternoon.
Perhaps the most important prize at stake, although, is on provide for Dan Evans. Ranked 28 on this planet, Evans reached the third spherical right here final 12 months, so matching that efficiency will likely be uppermost in his thoughts, which can imply beating the big-serving Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.
But the competition has greater than only a third-round spot up for grabs, for the reason that winner will nearly actually play defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who performs world No177 Lloyd Harris of South Africa. “Whoever wins that, I imagine, will be playing against Carlos. It’s one you want to win, or maybe not want to win,” Evans mentioned, smiling. “No, you want to win.”
Asked if he fancied the thought of taking up the world No1 and Wimbledon champion, he mentioned: “No, I wouldn’t fancy it, but it would be good, wouldn’t it?”
Van de Zandschulp is ranked No65 however has been as excessive as No22 and Evans is aware of he could have his arms full in what will likely be their first assembly.
Evans mentioned: “He plays good, he hits the ball good. I think he qualified here one year and made the quarter-finals. He’ll be difficult.”
Carlos Alcaraz is prone to be subsequent for Evans if he overcomes Botic van de Zandschulp
/ AFP through Getty ImagesBritish No1 Cameron Norrie performs Yu Hsiou Hsu of Taipei, who certified for the principle draw, whereas Jack Draper has a troublesome activity towards Hubert Hurkacz, the No17 seed from Poland. In some methods, Draper is taking part in with home cash.
After lacking Wimbledon resulting from a shoulder damage, the 21-year-old was undecided if he would even make it to New York and was pleasantly shocked by his first-round win over the extra skilled Radu Albot.
As the newborn of the British gamers within the draw right here, Draper admits that Murray, Norrie and Evans “give me some gyp”, however he additionally says that being round them and coaching with them every day is giving him perception that he belongs at this degree.
“I’ve always got on well with Cam, Andy, Dan,” he mentioned. “They give me a bit of gyp here and there. I went to Davis Cup in Colombia this year, that was great to get to know especially Cam and Dan better.
“No doubt those guys have been incredible role models for me and good support. When I’m around, they make me feel comfortable, especially on the Tour, because you’re in the locker rooms and you don’t know many people. As a young guy, feeling welcome is obviously quite nice.
“It’s nice to be around great players like them. They’re still doing amazingly well. I’m just very lucky to have them, I suppose.”
Burrage has been the principle cheerleader for the British gamers this week, and was courtside for Miyazaki’s 6-3, 6-3 defeat by Belinda Bencic.
British No1 Katie Boulter will kick issues off as we speak towards Yafan Wang, who took out No7 seed Caroline Garcia in spherical one. Victory for Boulter would put the world No61 inside the highest 50 for the primary time.