"Common sense should prevail" - Dan Evans speaks out against ATP and WTA for proposed ban on UK tournaments if Wimbledon ban on Russians prevails

British tennis star Dan Evans has come down heavily on the ATP and WTA tours for threatening to strip the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) of Wimbledon warm-up events. The threat from the ATP and WTA comes amid the possibility that Russian and Belarusian players will continue to be banned from Wimbledon.

It all started in 2022 when, because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the LTA banned Russians and Belarusians from competing in British events. In retaliation, the ATP and WTA decided to strip the Wimbledon Championships of ranking points. They also fined the LTA £1.4 million for its actions.

It is not yet known whether the suspension of Russian and Belarusian players will extend to this season as well. Talks are currently ongoing between the LTA and the British government, with a decision expected by April.

In the meantime, the men's and women's tennis tours have warned they could cancel the LTA's membership if they continue "discrimination based on nationality." Should that happen, the LTA will lose the rights to host popular and traditional grass tournaments such as Queen's, Birmingham, Eastbourne, and Nottingham.

Dan Evans, the World No. 28 in men's singles, recently shared his thoughts with the Times on what he called a "sad state of affairs."

“It’s a sad state of affairs if Queen’s wasn’t on," Evans said. "I’m not a fan of the threats. The ATP should not throw stones when they live in glass houses."

“Queen’s is one of the best and most prestigious tournaments on the Tour, which has done a lot for the ATP Tour in its time," he added.

The British No. 2 further stated that threatening the LTA wasn't the right approach to resolve the issue. He pointed out how "sensible conversations'' are the need of the hour.

"I'm a massive advocate for the ATP generally," Evans said. "They do great things but we have to have sensible conversations. I don't think threatening the LTA with taking away the licence for these events is how it's going to be resolved."

Dan Evans went on to explain how British players would also be affected if the ATP and WTA tours took action against the LTA.

"It affects all of the Brits," Evans said. "They're not going to get chances or playing opportunities with a wild card. I think common sense should prevail. The LTA's hands are tied a little bit as well. This subject goes a bit bigger than tennis federations and governing bodies."

As things stand, the LTA is in a precarious situation. Should the suspension be implemented, the British tennis body would face an "existential threat," as reported by The Guardian a few days ago.

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Dan Evans retires in Dubai opener against Borna Coric

Dan Evans in action during the 2023 Australian Open

Meanwhile, Dan Evans hasn't had the best of starts to the 2023 season. The 32-year-old has managed to win just three matches across five competitions so far.

The Australian Open is the only tournament where the Brit succeeded in winning consecutive matches. His run there came to an end in the third round.

In his most recent outing, in Dubai earlier this week, Evans lasted only four games against eighth seed Borna Coric. Evans had heavy strapping on his right ankle and was forced to call the trainer, but couldn't continue after the first set was tied at 2-2.