British tennis player Dan Evans has decided to part ways with his coach Sebastian Prieto for the second time, most likely for good, following a series of disappointing performances this season. Evans has only managed to secure three ATP Tour victories in the current season, prompting the duo to go their separate ways once again.
Reports suggest that the split occurred a couple of weeks ago, stemming from a disagreement over a racket re-stringing job. However, it is evident that Evans’s recent poor form has played a significant role in the deterioration of their working relationship.
Most recently, Evans’s run at the BNP Paribas Primrose Challenger event in Bordeaux ended in a 7-6, 6-4 defeat to the 19-year-old Chinese player Juncheng Shang. This loss further highlighted Evans’s struggles as his ranking now lingers in the early 60s.
This is not the first time Evans and Prieto have parted ways. The duo initially teamed up in 2021 before separating last summer due to Evans’s dissatisfaction with Prieto’s availability for tournaments. They later reunited in October, but it appears that this latest split could be the final one. As of now, Evans has not indicated any new coaching appointment and has taken on Mason Recci, a former Futures player, as his hitting partner at the Bordeaux event.
In other tennis news, world No 1 Novak Djokovic has confirmed his participation in the upcoming Geneva event as part of his preparations for the French Open. Djokovic recently had to undergo concussion checks after being hit on the head by a falling water bottle during the Rome tournament. Despite this incident, his decision to enter the Geneva Open suggests that his health is not a major concern.
Djokovic’s participation in Geneva is crucial as he has only played six clay-court matches leading up to the French Open, a situation that is uncommon for him. The tournament also features Andy Murray, who is set to face world No 59 Yannick Hanfmann in the opening match, with a potential clash against Djokovic in the following round if he secures a victory.
These developments in the tennis world indicate an exciting and eventful period for the sport, with players making significant decisions and preparations ahead of key tournaments. The search for the right form and momentum continues as the season progresses.