Dan Evans’ final appearance at the Queen’s Club Championships concluded with a first-round loss in the qualifying draw on Sunday, as he was defeated 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 by Marcos Giron. The 36-year-old former British No. 1, currently ranked 217th in the world, recently announced his intention to retire from professional tennis following this year’s Wimbledon tournament.

Evans, who has been a prominent figure in British tennis, was part of the team that secured the Davis Cup title in 2015 and partnered Andy Murray at the 2024 Olympic Games. Despite his contributions, he did not receive a main-draw wildcard for the Queen’s event, a decision that he found disappointing.

On Court One, Evans displayed his characteristic playing style, featuring sliced backhands and competitive shot-making, which earned appreciation from the home crowd. Reflecting on his defeat, he acknowledged Giron’s strong performance in the decisive third set, noting that while he had been practicing, the match proved challenging.

In discussing the reasons behind his upcoming retirement, Evans cited ongoing physical issues as the primary factor. “I haven’t played a bunch of tennis but that’s for reasons out of my control. I’ve been injured, that’s the reason I’m retiring. My body hasn’t been great and I no longer want to put myself through the training,” he explained.

Looking ahead to his final weeks on the tour, Evans said he plans to maintain his competitive approach. “Nothing really changes, I just compete hard and leave it on the court,” he said. He added that gaining another match under his belt during qualifying would help prepare him for Wimbledon.

Evans’ retirement will mark the end of a notable professional career that has had a significant impact on British men’s tennis over the past decade and a half.