Dan Evans brands LTA 'a shambles' after Wimbledon retirement wild card snub

Dan Evans has labelled Britain's Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) "nothing short of a shambles," adding he feels it was a "total p***-take" he was denied a Wimbledon wild card before his retirement from the sport.

Evans, 36, who made a tearful exit from the sport and Wimbledon after doubles defeat in the first round alongside fellow Brit Henry Searle on Wednesday, was not handed the opportunity of a singles wild card this year, and lost in qualifying.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Evans aimed parting shots at the LTA, who also refused to grant him wild card entries for Queen's and the Ilkley Open this year, with the former world No 21 claiming the organisation had failed to provide him reasons why.

Sky Sports has contacted the LTA for comment.

"The last month has been nothing short of a shambles from them [LTA], that's the bottom line," Evans said. "You speak to people, you talk to people.

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"I just don't understand the reasoning for it, and nobody has given me a decent reason [for lack of wild card].

"If they said: 'Listen, you're a bit overweight right now,' no, I'm serious. Like: 'You're a bit out of shape,' but nobody's had the minerals or however you want to phrase it to come over from the governing body, who I think I have done plenty for, and given me an explanation.

"I think that's just...It's pride, isn't it? I don't know. Is that the word? And if you're not going to do that, and it's certainly not Jamie Baker's [Wimbledon tournament director] job to come and give me the reason why he didn't give me a wild card. It's not the tournament director to do that.

"I just think somebody could have come and sit down and spoke. Like, jeez, I paid enough. That's their job. And that's all. I enjoyed playing Davis Cup for my country more than I can tell you. It's the best thing ever.

"I'm not angry, but jeez, tell the truth.

"You can't give me a wild card into Ilkley? The reasoning was they were all given out. I have been playing tennis for 16 years on the tour, and I have always known that the wild cards aren't given out on a Monday.

"Monday before a ball is hit on the grass courts in Birmingham, how have the wild cards gone? We've not got a massive pool of players. So I don't care about the wild card.

"Listen, I would have loved to play singles, but we all know why that is. Don't give me some nonsense answer about they're all gone in Ilkley. Come on, guys. That's a total p***-take for me. Excuse my French.

"If you can't have a conversation and be honest...Listen, if they turned around and said: 'You've hardly played,' but it was, like: 'You're a coach, you're not getting one.' No, I was out there helping another Brit when I've been injured.

"I didn't see any of those guys out there helping Henry when he needed help. So that was my point. It's nothing against the club, but somebody come and have a conversation.

"Communication is a big thing in tennis. That's my point. Are they working this week? I have not seen any of them, seriously.

"No one spoke to me this week. No one has congratulated me on my career this week."

The LTA posted tributes on X to Evans in the wake of his retirement, with interviews and quotes from Sir Andy Murray, Tim Henman and Jack Draper.

The LTA also released a lengthy article in tribute to Evans and a statement shortly after the 36-year-old's defeat and retirement was confirmed.

Within that, LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd said: "On behalf of everyone involved in British tennis I'd like to congratulate Dan on an outstanding career which includes a career-high of world No 21, two ATP Tour titles and many defining and memorable performances for Great Britain.

"He never gave anything less than 100 per cent in the Davis Cup and at the Olympics. He has made a huge contribution to tennis in this country and cares deeply about the game.

"We wish him the best of luck as he begins the next stage of his career. We want to retain his experience within the British game and hope he will continue to contribute his passion and expertise."

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