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World No 26 Daniel Evans admitted it took him a few days to get the devastating loss to Miomir Kecmanovic "out of the system." In early October, Evans competed at the Japan Open in Tokyo. After beating Radu Albot in his Tokyo opener, Evans blew six match points against Miomir Kecmanovic as the Serb escaped with a 6-3 3-6 7-6 (4) win.
This Monday, Evans played his first match since his devastating defeat to Kecmanovic. In the European Open first round in Antwerp, Evans saw off Tallon Griekspoor 6-3 6-4. “It was a difficult loss. It was important to get that out of the system.
It was in my head for a few days. It’s not often you’re that far up [and lose], so it did hurt. It was a big tournament," Evans told the i newspaper.
Evans hoping to finish his season on a high note
“I’ve never really historically done that good at the end of the season so try this year to do pretty good," Evans noted.
Evans made a good start to his Antwerp opener, earning the first break of the match in the sixth game to open an early 4-2 lead over Griekspoor. After beating Griekspoor, Evans held on to his serve the rest of the first set to win the opener.
In the second set, no break points were seen until the sixth game - when Griekspoor had his first break point of the match. Unfortunately for Griekspoor, he didn't realize his break points as Evans got through that game to tie the second set to three games apiece.
Griekspoor paid the price for not realizing his break point as Evans broke the Dutch in the seventh game to open a 4-3 lead in the second set. Evans had his first match point in the ninth game, but didn't realize on Griekspoor's serve. In the 10th game, Evans served out for the match.