Evans bids emotional farewell as career ends at Wimbledon

Dan Evans bid an emotional farewell to Wimbledon as his career came to an end after he and fellow Briton Henry Searle lost their men's doubles match.

The 36-year-old announced in June that he would retire after the Championships, but he did not play in the singles after missing out on a wildcard and then losing in qualifying.

Evans was left holding back tears as he signed autographs for those who had packed on to court 15 to watch his and Searle's 6-2 6-4 first-round loss to ninth seeds Hugo Nys and Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

It was an understated ending to his 20-year career, during which he was part of the 2015 Davis Cup team that secured Great Britain's first title in 79 years.

Evans also won two ATP Tour-level titles and reached the Wimbledon third round three times in singles.

"It is just emotional, isn't it? You think of your family and all the sacrifices that we've made. You live out your dreams here," Evans told BBC Sport.

"This tournament is what I grew up watching. I remember getting home from school and watching Wimbledon, and I was one of the lucky few that got to play here in the end.

"Everything was worth it. For anybody thinking twice about putting the effort in, I can tell you it is worth it.

"I've enjoyed every minute I've played on these courts."

Evans said he had spent the week walking around the grounds of SW19, watching his compatriots and taking in the atmosphere one final time as a player.

One group of supporters, watching from the gangway with the few seats inside court 15 already full, wore T-shirts which read 'Thanks Dan' - and Evans' name was periodically chanted as the crowd urged the British pair on.

Following the match, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) shared a video on social media featuring tributes from Sir Andy Murray, who he partnered in doubles at the 2024 Olympic Games, Jack Draper and Tim Henman.

"When he stepped up into those arenas representing his country, I think that was when he played his best tennis," said Henman.

"Whether it's been at the Davis Cup, the Olympics or the United Cup, his energy and enthusiasm was infectious. It's been quite a ride."