Miami Open 2023: Dan Evans’ losing streak continues as he crashes out to classy Lorenzo Sonego

Dan Evans exited the Miami Open in the second round following a 6-4 3-6 2-6 defeat to Lorenzo Sonego.

The Briton had not recorded a victory since the Australian Open second round win over Jeremy Chardin, but he was on course to bounce back after a stylish opening set.

However, his Italian opponent picked it up a gear and played some scintillating tennis to take the next two sets and pile more misery on Evans.

Evans had been struggled with an ankle injury of late, but he made a fine start to proceedings and was rewarded with a break in the opening set, and though Sonego failed to allow the setback to dampen his spirit, the early break proved decisive.

However, the contest was flipped on its head when Sonego delivered a break to take a 3-1 lead in the second set.

A frustrated Evans failed to convert any of the four break points he had crafted and he was made to pay as Sonego – now growing in confidence – secured the set with the point of the tournament following an enthralling rally.

Evans has never won a deciding set in Miami and when he broken twice consecutively, as Sonego raced into a 3-0 lead, he was destined for another defeat.

The momentum was now completely with the Italian whose forehand was dictating proceedings, and although Evans put up a fight, the 32-year-old was bullied into submission.

Meanwhile, Felix Auger-Aliassime sent down 12 aces as he overcame the spirited Thiago Monteiro 7-6(5) 7-6(8) to set up a third round match with Francisco Cerundolo.

The Canadian failed to convert four match points in a dramatic second-set tie-break but eventually got over the line to wrap up a hard-earned two-hour, 41-minute triumph.

Matteo Berrettini was knocked out by Mackenzie McDonald 7-6(8) 7-6(5) with the American winning the match on two tiebreakers.

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