Briton Evans loses in the first round in Dubai.
Britain’s Dan Evans suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, falling to Russia’s Karen Khachanov in a surprisingly one-sided contest. Khachanov, the world No. 24, dominated from start to finish, securing a 6-1, 6-3 victory in just one hour and 20 minutes.
The result was particularly unexpected given Evans’ perfect 5-0 record in their previous head-to-head encounters, including a grueling five-and-a-half-hour battle at the 2023 US Open, which Evans had won. However, this time, Khachanov flipped the script, taking full control of the match and never allowing Evans to gain momentum.
A Match Defined by Khachanov’s Power and Precision
From the very first game, Khachanov imposed his aggressive baseline game, hitting with power and depth to keep Evans constantly on the back foot. The Russian’s ability to dictate rallies and push Evans wide meant that the Brit struggled to get into his usual rhythm, relying heavily on defensive play.
How it started
In the first set, Evans was broken three times, unable to hold serve against Khachanov’s relentless returns. The Russian capitalized on every short ball, finishing points quickly and racing to a 6-1 lead in just 31 minutes.
Evans, known for his ability to mix up play with slices, net approaches, and changes of pace, found his tactical options completely shut down. Khachanov’s power game prevented him from taking control of points, and the Brit made uncharacteristic unforced errors as a result.
In the second set, Evans attempted to mount a comeback, showing more resilience on his serve. However, Khachanov secured an early break and never looked back. His ability to serve big under pressure and close out points efficiently proved decisive, as he wrapped up the match 6-3.
A Shift in Momentum Between the Two Players
Coming into this match, Briton Evans loses in the first round in Dubai, having defeated him in all their past meetings. Their most notable clash came at the 2023 US Open, where Evans won in a dramatic five-set epic. That victory had showcased Evans’ tactical intelligence, variety, and mental toughness—qualities that were noticeably missing in Dubai.
This time, however, Khachanov adjusted his game plan, staying patient and refusing to let Evans disrupt his rhythm. His improved consistency and controlled aggression ensured that Evans never had the opportunity to execute his trademark variety-based game.
What’s Next for Both Players?
Khachanov’s Path in Dubai
With this commanding win, Khachanov advances to the second round, where he will face either fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or Lorenzo Sonego.
If Tsitsipas wins, it sets up a high-profile showdown between two strong baseliners with powerful serves. Tsitsipas, a former world No. 3, has struggled for consistency in recent months, making this a winnable match for Khachanov.
If Sonego advances, Khachanov will still be the favorite, given his superior ranking and form.
With his confidence soaring, Khachanov will look to make a deep run in Dubai and potentially break back into the top 20 of the ATP rankings.
Briton Evans loses in the first round in Dubai.
For Evans, this early exit is another frustrating setback in what has been a challenging start to 2024.
The 33-year-old Brit has struggled to find consistency this season, with early-round losses hampering his progress.
As a player who relies on momentum and confidence, a first-round defeat—especially against a player he has historically dominated—could dent his morale.
His wildcard entry into Dubai was an opportunity to gain crucial ranking points, but instead, he leaves empty-handed.
With the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells & Miami Open) approaching, Evans will need to regroup quickly. These two ATP 1000 events are vital for his season turnaround, and he will need to rediscover his best form to avoid slipping further down the rankings.
Looking Ahead: A Tournament Full of Exciting Matchups
With Evans out, British hopes in Dubai will now rest on other players, while Khachanov emerges as a potential dark horse in the tournament. The Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships continues to showcase high-stakes tennis, with big names like Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and Alexander Zverev also competing for the title.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Khachanov can maintain this level of dominance and whether Evans can bounce back in his upcoming tournaments.