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Dan Evans talks exclusively ahead of his Australian Open clash with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Dan Evans reveals the secrets behind his success ahead of crunch Jo-Wilfried Tsonga clash

Britain's Dan Evans celebrates his victory against Croatia's Marin Cilic during their men's singles match on day three of the Australian Open

Only 18 months ago, Dan Evans was ranked 770 in the world and a party boy who openly admitted to enjoying a night out. Now he is preparing to play in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in the biggest match of his career against former Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Having reached his first ATP final in Sydney and now the last 16 in Melbourne for the first time, the 26-year-old has claimed some big scalps in the past couple of weeks including Dominic Thiem, Marin Cilic and his former hitting partner Bernard Tomic.

The results don't lie and now Evans must be taken as a serious threat to the players remaining in the draw, admitting in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports: "I am on a bit of a roll right now and it just non-stop. Especially after the Cilic match where I played really well, then [Friday] I sort of carried on my form. To play an Aussie in his back yard and beat him is sort of a big thing and I enjoyed the experience".

But the big question everyone is asking, is what has sparked such big changes to his game? How has he made the leap from playing on the Challenger Tour to causing giant-killing acts in Grand Slams?

Britain's Dan Evans celebrates his victory against Australia's Bernard Tomic
Image: Evans upset Australia's Bernard Tomic in the last round

Humbly Evans attributes much of his success to the relatively new team around him. Now working with coach Mark Hilton and fitness trainer Ashcon Rezazadeh, he said: "Those guys have been a really big help and have put a lot of time and effort into getting me where I am. I am so grateful to the guys for all of their help and getting me onto the court every day, playing well."

However, he is also quick to point out that as well as receiving top-class training, "it does come down to the guy hitting the balls on the court and I am that guy!"

Giant-killer Evans rolls on
Giant-killer Evans rolls on

Dan Evans is Britain's giant-killer after Australian Open success

A regular member of Great Britain's Davis Cup team, Evans has developed a good relationship with team-mate Andy Murray, and admits the world No 1 has been a contributing factor to his success story. "Andy texts me a lot of information before my games about all of the guys that I am playing. He really wants the best for all of the British players so he is a great tool to have.

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"Andy is sort of a mentor to all of the young British players. He has done exceptionally well in his whole career, especially the end of last year, so to have him around is great."

Dan Evans of Great Britain celebrates after winning his third round match against Bernard Tomic of Australia
Image: Brummie boy Evans has worked at improving his fitness and his all-court game

Perhaps what has been most impressive about his recent performances both this week and in Sydney, has been Evans' ability to stay cool under pressure during the big points, despite such little experience in those situations.

Coming through a couple of tie-breakers in his match with Tomic and a tense second set against Cilic, he has been able to produce winning shots when it really counts. "I am taking the attitude that it isn't the end of the world if I lose these matches, so I am hitting freely. It is tougher to lose those tight matches and the ones that count, but I haven't lost one yet, so luck seems to be on my side and I am hoping for a few more wins in Melbourne."

Superb Evans turns over Tomic
Superb Evans turns over Tomic

Dan Evans beats Bernard Tomic at Australian Open

His recent form and past performance on the big stages prove that his success is anything but 'luck'. In 2013 he produced a huge win against Kei Nishikori at the US Open and has had some terrific Davis Cup performances since. The British No 3 clearly enjoys rising to the occasion. "It is just what I have always wanted to do, play in front of the big crowds, in the big stadiums. It is what every sportsman wants to perform on the big stage, and luckily for me that has happened for me a few times and I have come out on the winning side."

Check updates from Andy Murray, Jo Konta and Dan Evans' matches at the Australian Open by following our blog on skysports.com/tennis, our app for mobile devices and iPad or our Twitter account @skysportstennis.

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