US Open: Dan Evans has no fear of ‘normal person’ Carlos Alcaraz ahead of clash – ‘I don’t think about rankings’

Dan Evans faces arguably the toughest test in tennis on Saturday when he takes on Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open third round, but the Brit insists he isn’t worried about the task ahead.

The Spaniard is the top seed at Flushing Meadows after winning Wimbledon in July, but Evans is also in confident mood after clinching the Washington title last month.

They face off inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday at 17:00 UK time, and the 26th seed isn’t intimidated heading into the match.

“When I play on the tour I don’t think about what ranking people are. I genuinely don’t. They’re normal people,” said Evans.

“To put it frankly they do exactly the same as what all of us do in the morning when they get out of bed.

“What is important is realising they’re very good at what they do, but they still get nervous. That’s what’s helped me when I’ve played better players.

“I won’t be thinking when I’m out there ‘he’s number one in the world, I can’t win this match’. I have to hope I can put my game on the court and get myself into a good position.”

Evans added: “Alcaraz is an unbelievable player but what’s the point of me going out there and thinking I’ve got no right to beat him?”

The 33-year-old is one of four British players in action at the final Grand Slam of the year on Saturday, with Jack Draper facing Michael Mmoh, Cameron Norrie taking on Matteo Arnaldi and Katie Boulter up against Peyton Stearns.

Evans dropped just one set in his opening two wins over first Daniel Galan, and then Botic van de Zandschulp.

He is aiming to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the third time in his career, having previously achieved the feat at the 2021 US Open and 2017 Australian Open.

Defending champion Alcaraz is bidding for his third Grand Slam title after his victory at Flushing Meadows last year and the astonishing five-set Wimbledon final triumph against Novak Djokovic this summer.

Alcaraz leads the head-to-head 2-0 following wins over Evans in Vienna in 2021, and in Barcelona earlier this year, both without dropping a set.