There was more than a decade between all-British Challenger finals before Kyle Edmund defeated Dan Evans in Dallas. Now there is a second in a matter of weeks. Dan Evans also features in this final, but the other finalist, Edward Corrie, has never reached this stage before. The two will battle for the Drummondville title later today.
Both men had to defeat teen prospects in the semi-finals. Edward Corrie managed to keep his sensational run going, defeating Dutchman Tim Van Rijthoven in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. Corrie has not dropped a set in the main draw in defeating Deiton Baughman, Mitchell Krueger, Frank Dancevic, and now Van Rijthoven.
Fourth seed Dan Evans had a much tougher encounter against Canadian wildcard Denis Shapovalov. The sixteen year-old had been the beneficiary of a retirement when Renzo Olivo left their quarter-final with a left ankle injury. The young Canadian proved that his run is no fluke though, taking the first set, and keeping the match close. Evans did eventually prevail 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 in perhaps one of the most exciting Challengers of the year.
Final Preview: In terms of ranking, Dan Evans has to be regarded as the stand-out favourite. The world no. 157 is playing one of his best seasons on tour, whilst Corrie is ranked at a lowly 531. Corrie though, has been ranked as high as 215. Form is important. Evans might have expected to reach this stage, but Corrie has not dropped a set and has defeated some tough names including Mitchell Krueger and Frank Dancevic.
Their head-to-head also favours the lower ranked player. Corrie leads three-two including both of the last two meetings. All three of Corrie’s wins have been in straight sets, whilst Evans was taken to three in both of his victories.
Winner: Evans in straight sets.
