Davis Cup 2024: Great Britain vs Finland – results & updates

Match one: Evans marks 26th Davis Cup tie with straight sets win

Great Britain have taken an early advantage against 2023 semi-finalists Finland after the experienced Dan Evans clocked a 7-6(3), 5-2 victory over Eero Vasa.

“I found it tough for quite a long time to get the ball-striking there,” Evans said in his on-court interview. “He did a great job of rushing me but I started to play a bit better in the second and then really well at the end.

“A big thank you to everyone for coming out, we really appreciate it. You’re a great crowd and it really makes the occasion – it helps us so much.”

Today marked the beginning of Evans’ 26^th Davis Cup tie, which now sees him rise to joint second on the all-time list for most ties played for Great Britian, alongside Mike Sangster.

In the first meeting between the two, it was the Finnish world No.703 who looked to put the pressure on the Brit from the off, as Evans was forced to save two break points on his opening service game.

From then on, Evans tightened up on his service game, winning 92% (33/36) of points off his first serve and bringing up four break point opportunities across the set, including three set points at 6-5. Evans – who has clinched an impressive 16 wins for his country – got off to a flying start in the tie-break as he raced ahead to a 6-1 lead, before securing the set thanks to a double fault from Vasa.

Fuelled with energy from the home crowd at the AO Arena in Manchester, Evans picked up where he left off in the second as he looked to keep his foot on the accelerator. The Brit channelled all his experience of competing at the top flight of the sport to gradually wear the Finn down. Up a double break to the good, Evans placed Great Britain on the cusp of taking a 1-0 lead as he eventually closed out the win in an hour and 39 minutes.

Up next, Billy Harris is set to make his Davis Cup debut against Otto Virtanen.