British tennis player Daniel Evans ends his singles career after Wimbledon qualifying defeat

Daniel Evans has brought his singles career to an end after losing in the second round of Wimbledon qualifying, closing the chapter on a career that saw him rise to the highest levels of British tennis.

The 36-year-old was beaten 7-5, 6-0 by Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate on Wednesday, ending his final attempt to reach the singles main draw at the All England Club.

Although his singles career has concluded, Evans will remain at Wimbledon to compete in the men’s doubles event alongside fellow Briton Henry Searle.

The partnership carries added significance, with Evans having coached the 20-year-old throughout this season.

Earlier this month, Evans announced on social media that Wimbledon would be the final tournament of his singles career.

The qualifying defeat marked only his fourth singles appearance of the 2026 season.

Speaking to the BBC after the match, Evans said he had spent a long time preparing for the decision to retire from singles competition.

He said he was happy with his choice, adding that he knew the time was right and that he was looking forward to the next stage of his career.

Reflecting on his time at Wimbledon, Evans recalled several memorable moments from competing at his home Grand Slam.

Among the highlights he singled out was his Centre Court meeting with eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer in 2016.

Evans described playing on Centre Court as a special experience, saying that competing on any of the All England Club’s show courts was unforgettable, but that Centre Court held particular significance for him.

The Birmingham-born player enjoyed the most successful period of his career in 2023.

That year, he reached a career-high ranking of world No. 21 in the ATP Rankings.

He also claimed the biggest singles title of his career by winning the ATP 500 tournament in Washington.

Earlier in his career, Evans lifted the ATP 250 title in Melbourne in 2021, adding another tour-level trophy to his achievements.

Away from the ATP Tour, Evans also played an important role for Great Britain.

He was part of the British team that won the Davis Cup in 2015, ending the nation’s long wait for success in the prestigious international competition.

In 2024, Evans represented Great Britain once again at the Paris Olympic Games.

He partnered with Andy Murray in doubles during what proved to be the former world No. 1’s final professional tournament before retirement.

Throughout his career, Evans became known for his variety, tactical awareness and ability to compete against many of the sport’s leading players.

His rise into the world’s top 25 represented the highest point of a professional journey that spanned more than a decade on the ATP Tour.

Although his time as a singles player has now ended, Evans’ involvement in tennis is set to continue.

His coaching work with Henry Searle and his participation in the Wimbledon doubles competition ensure he remains involved at the All England Club this year.

Looking back on his career, Evans said the occasion marked the end of his singles journey but stressed that he would remember it through the many positive experiences he had enjoyed.

His Wimbledon qualifying defeat officially closes his singles career, bringing to an end one of British tennis’s most notable careers of recent years while opening the door to whatever comes next.