Evans ready for Davis Cup return

Dan Evans

Published: 8:47am, 10th February 2012
Updated: 1:57pm, 10th February 2012

Dan Evans insists the Glasgow crowd will see a much more mature player this weekend than the one whose defeat condemned Britain to an ignominious Davis Cup loss in Lithuania two years ago.

The Europe/Africa Zone Group I tie against Slovakia is the 21-year-old's first in the competition since then, and he will play in the opening match at Braehead Arena on Friday against world number 65 Lukas Lacko.

He said: "It's a pleasure to be in the Davis Cup squad, it's always nice to represent your country. I'm older than I was (for the Lithuania tie) and every time I'm on the tennis court I'm learning and coming along with my tennis. Hopefully this time will go a bit better than it did in Lithuania."

It is hard to believe Evans is only 21 given all the ups and downs he has endured since bursting onto the scene as a teenager.

Downs have featured prominently, with the Birmingham player losing his funding for four months in 2008 when he was photographed in a nightclub during Wimbledon, while he has struggled to turn junior success into progress in the senior ranks.

Evans said: "I've matured since I came on the scene when I was 18. I'm playing good tennis now and I'm happier. There's no regrets, I've done what I've done."

With British number three Jamie Baker injured, captain Leon Smith considered Evans and Josh Goodall for the spot before plumping for the former.

He said: "I went with Dan because I think he's started the year just a little bit better and is at a level that's more where the opposition are.

"Everyone matures at different stages, physically, mentally and tactically, and it seems to be coming together. There's still a long way to go for him but he's started this year more positively and it's a question of sustaining that."

In the absence of Andy Murray, James Ward will be British number one, and the world number 158 will follow Evans on to the court on Friday against Martin Klizan, who is ranked 38 places higher.