Dan Evans Set to Face Frances Tiafoe at Almaty Open

Familiar foes Dan Evans and Frances Tiafoe are set to face off in the second round of the Almaty Open on Thursday. This match marks the ninth meeting between the two tennis players, with Tiafoe currently holding a 5-3 lead in their head-to-head encounters.

Frances Tiafoe, who is seeded first in this tournament, enjoyed a bye in the opening round. His recent performances have been inconsistent, despite reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 US Open. In his first match at the Shanghai Masters, Tiafoe initially led but eventually lost to Roman Safiullin, a match marred by a controversial outburst toward the chair umpire that could result in fines from the ATP.

Dan Evans, after entering the tournament through qualifying rounds, defeated Japan’s Taro Daniel in straight sets during the first round of the Almaty Open. Evans’ victory marked a significant return to form following his recent struggles. At 34-years-old, Evans’ resilience is notable as he looks to carry forward his momentum from his recent performance on court.

The rivalry between the two players has produced several notable matches. Their latest encounter saw Tiafoe retire from the match at the Vienna Open due to injury, despite leading. Evans will be looking to add another win against Tiafoe, having beaten him previously at the Washington Open earlier.

Anticipations for the match continue to build, with observers noting Evans’ improving form and Tiafoe’s inconsistent performances post-US Open, which could tip the scales. The winner will advance to the next round with a potential match against the defending champion or another seeded contender.