Evans vows ‘aggressive’ strategy towards Alcaraz in bid for US Open upset
The British No2 got here from a set right down to beat big-serving Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 1-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 to succeed in the third spherical in New York for the sixth time.
As the No24 seed, Evans may have drawn any of the highest eight seeds however mentioned he would simply must throw every thing at Alcaraz.
“It’s my fault (because of his ranking),” Evans mentioned. “It’s a little annoying to have him from the top eight, but it is what it is. It will be a good match. I am really looking forward to it and will play aggressively. There’s been a few upsets on that court before.”
Evans mentioned he would take some coronary heart from the actual fact he has confronted Alcaraz twice, even when the Spaniard received contests each in straight units.
“I played a good match in Barcelona this year and have some insight into how he will play,” mentioned Evans. “It’s a very difficult draw. He will obviously be the overwhelming favourite. But it’s a good opportunity to play a very good tennis player on a big stage. That is why you play tennis.”
After dropping within the first spherical at Wimbledon this 12 months, Evans discovered type on the US hardcourts, successful his largest title thus far as he took the tile in Washington final month.
That efficiency, in comparable situations, helped Evans towards Van de Zandschulp, the world No65, after a troublesome first set on a rowdy Court 11.
“I played in these conditions late at night a lot in Washington,” mentioned Evans. “They are very similar here. I felt comfortable to be able to lean on that.
“On big points on second serve I know I have made a lot of them under pressure this summer in America and vice versa when I am break point down or break point up. When I don’t it’s no big deal. Go back and work for the next point.”
Evans has British firm within the third spherical of the lads’s draw on Saturday after spectacular straight-set wins for Cameron Norrie and Jack Draper.
Norrie beat Yu Hsiou Lu of Taipei 7-5, 6-4, 6-4, whereas Draper upset No17 seed Hubert Hurkacz, of Poland, 6-2, 6-4, 7-5 to equal his run to the third spherical final 12 months.