Dan Evans, a prominent player in the Davis Cup, expressed his frustration in 2022 over a team selection that led him to consider leaving the Great Britain squad. Despite being part of the successful 2015 Davis Cup team, Evans felt slighted by not being chosen for the doubles match, hinting at a possible withdrawal from the prestigious tennis event. He emphasized that his lack of regular doubles play on the tour should not have been a determining factor.
In an interview with the i, Evans stated that he found it disappointing and somewhat insulting to never have been selected for a Davis Cup doubles match. He argued that his skills in doubles should not be judged solely based on rankings, suggesting that other criteria, such as playing style, should be considered in team selections.
The controversy arose after Evans was left out of the doubles lineup at the 2021 Davis Cup Finals in Austria, where he only participated in singles matches while Neal Skupski and Joe Salisbury teamed up for the doubles rubber. Evans questioned the decision, expressing his confusion and disappointment at never being given the opportunity to play doubles in the Davis Cup.
Despite the setback, Evans eventually had a chance to prove himself in doubles alongside Skupski during a match against Colombia the following year. Although Evans faced defeat in his singles match, the British team secured a 3-1 victory, advancing to the Davis Cup Finals. However, Evans had to sit out the 2023 finale due to an injury.
In the current 2025 Davis Cup Finals, Britain is absent after a 3-2 defeat to Japan in the qualifying round. Italy, led by Matteo Berrettini and Flavio Cobolli, advanced to the semi-finals by defeating Austria. Berrettini and Cobolli’s strong performances secured Italy’s spot in a semi-final clash against Belgium.
Matteo Berrettini’s win against Jurij Rodionov and Flavio Cobolli’s victory over Filip Misolic propelled Italy into the next round. Despite missing their top players, Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti, Italy demonstrated their strength and quality in the competition.