Wimbledon qualification 2026: Dan Evans not overly motivated by wildcard exit

Dan Evans says missing out on a Wimbledon main draw wildcard didn’t motivate him much to qualify as he eased past Juan Carlos Prado Angelo in the first round.

The 36-year-old, who will end his career after the championships, has been given a wildcard into the men’s doubles with Henry Searle, with whom he has been working since January.

But Evans dropped out One of eight single wildcardsThat means he needs to win three matches in Roehampton this week to play one final singles at SW19.

The former British number one expressed disappointment at the Queen not being given a wildcard earlier in June, saying it would have been A “nice gesture” get one

After beating Bolivia’s Prado Angelo 7-6 (7-2) 6-3, Evans said he was “no longer motivated to win matches here because I didn’t get a wildcard”.

“I play tennis for myself, not to prove others wrong and I’ve done that throughout my career,” he added.

“The All England Club has nothing to do with giving me a wildcard or not. They gave me one in doubles and I’m grateful for that.

“It’s neither here nor there if they give me a wildcard. I love the tournament, but I’m not motivated to win matches here without getting a wildcard.

“A lot of people have run with that story — it’s untrue.

“I’m really happy that I finished the qualifying game, to come and play in this environment.”