Dan Evans plays down wildcard omission after winning Wimbledon qualifying opener

Dan Evans began his Wimbledon qualifying campaign with a straight-sets victory over Bolivia's Juan Carlos Prado Angelo, but insisted that missing out on a main-draw wildcard has not provided extra motivation.

The 36-year-old, who has announced he will retire after the championships, won 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 on Monday at Roehampton. He must win three matches in qualifying to earn a place in the singles draw at SW19.

Wildcard decisions

Evans was not granted one of eight singles wildcards for Wimbledon, though he received a wildcard to play doubles with Henry Searle. He had previously expressed disappointment at being overlooked for a Queen's wildcard, calling it a 'classy gesture'.

• Evans said he is 'no more motivated' by the wildcard snub.
• He stated he plays tennis for himself, not to prove others wrong.
• Evans reached the third round at Wimbledon three times in his career.
• He has won two ATP Tour-level titles and peaked at world number 21.
• In 2024, he sacrificed ranking points to partner Andy Murray at the Paris Olympics.

Next, Evans will face 28th seed Tristan Schoolkate, who beat Britain's Johannus Monday. Other British winners on day one included Billy Harris and Oliver Tarvet.

Evans admitted nerves affected him, saying it felt like playing his first Wimbledon. He remains focused on making the most of his final appearances at the tournament.