Dan Evans’ spirited run at Queen’s came to an end on Wednesday as the British wildcard fell in straight sets to American Brandon Nakashima, 7–5, 7–6(4), in a closely fought second-round match on the Andy Murray Arena.
Evans, 35, had lit up the tournament earlier in the week with a vintage first-round performance to defeat the higher-ranked Frances Tiafoe—his first top‑30 win of the year. But his second outing proved more frustrating, with his trademark slice and grit unable to disrupt the rhythm of a composed Nakashima.
The Brit struggled with his first serve throughout the match—landing just 39% in the opening set—and handed over a late break with a double fault at 5–6 to drop the first. In the second, both men held firm, with Evans clawing back from 0–40 at 4–4, but the tie-break slipped away as Nakashima took control with clean hitting and a key mini-break.
The defeat ends Evans’ Queen’s campaign at the round of 16 stage, but his opening win and overall performance have helped revive hopes of a wildcard entry into Wimbledon. Ranked outside the world’s top 250 following injury setbacks and patchy form, Evans had admitted this grass-court swing could be his last chance to compete at the top level.
Meanwhile, Nakashima advances to the quarter-finals, where he will face British No. 1 and second seed Jack Draper in a marquee clash.
For Evans, the loss may sting—but his showing this week has offered a reminder of his quality on grass, and a possible parting shot on home turf.
