Dan Evans Triumphs in Longest US Open Match Ever

Dan Evans staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Russia’s Karen Khachanov in the longest match in US Open history, lasting five hours and 35 minutes. The 34-year-old was trailing 4-0 in the deciding set but found the resilience to win 6-7 (6-8) 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-4. Despite Khachanov saving two match points, Evans clinched victory on the third prompting a relieved smile before he collapsed, exhausted into his chair.

Both players received standing ovations from the captivated crowd at Flushing Meadows. After the match, Evans admitted he thought he was out at 4-0 but kept fighting. “I’ve got a bad headache now. It was a hell of a match. I just want to go to bed,” he told Sky Sports. Earlier in the tournament, Britain’s top players, Katie Boulter and Jack Draper advanced to the second round.

Boulter, seeded 31st, overcame a shaky start to defeat Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 5-7 6-2 6-1. Draper, seeded 25th cruised through his match after China’s Zhang Zhizhen retired with a knee injury while trailing 6-3 6-0 4-0. However, 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu lost her first-round match to Sofia Kenin. Evans’ victory is especially satisfying after a tough year where he won only four ATP Tour matches.

His ranking dropped after he didn’t defend his title in Washington, but his perseverance has paid off. He now prepares to face Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the second round. Boulter will meet Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, while Draper is set to play Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta. Dan Evans’ epic win and the progress of other British players signal a strong showing for Britain at this year’s US Open.