MoxVib

Evans has had a strange season after struggling for victories either side of winning the biggest title of his career in Washington last month.

Facing Alcaraz is one of the most daunting prospects in the men's game and Evans knew he would have to bring his best level to stand any chance of causing an upset against the two-time Grand Slam champion.

To his credit, Evans tried to take on the 20-year-old Spaniard and the approach created an entertaining contest full of wonderful technique, incredible rallies and exciting points.

However, the British number two ultimately paid the price for a slow start.

Quickly going a double break down did the damage in the first set and, after moving 2-0 ahead in the second, a poor service game ending with two double faults started a run where he lost five of the next six games.

The chances of Evans turning things around at that point looked slim, but he continued to retain belief in his gameplan and broke for 4-3 on his way to pulling a set back.

It was a sign of the Briton's level that Alcaraz began to get annoyed, with the Spaniard flinging his racquet into his bag at the end of the set.

But his brilliance dictated which way a tight fourth swung, with Alcaraz somehow landing an outrageous running forehand down the line in the only break point of the set.

Evans received a standing ovation as he left Arthur Ashe Stadium, saying his overriding emotions after the gallant defeat were a mixture of "frustration" and "annoyance".

"My goal was to hang around and pick up the pieces, really. If I had a chance to come forward, I would, but I knew I'd be running. I did a decent job," he said.

"It's still tough, but my tennis is in a good spot and that's important."

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