Australian Open 2020 news – Dan Evans suffers straight-sets defeat to world No 71 Nishioka

The British No 1, seeded for the first time at a Grand Slam, fell 6-4 6-3 6-4 to the world No 71.

Evans was the last Briton standing in the men’s singles draw following defeats for Kyle Edmund and Cameron Norrie.

But the 29-year-old, who reached the fourth round in 2017, endured a difficult day out on Court 19.

Evans struggled with his first serves, getting just 60% in, while he could not convert either of his two break-point chances, while Nishioka took four from seven.

A total of 39 unforced errors flew off the Evans racket, and the defeat leaves Heather Watson and Harriet Dart as the only Brits remaining in the singles.

“It was difficult conditions out there and he handled them better than myself and he played better than me and deserved to win," Evans said post-match.

“He chases everything down on my backhand side and I find it difficult to play him. It’s frustrating but that is what makes him such a good player. He frustrates players.

“It is difficult with the wind swirling around but it’s the same for both players and he dealt with it better than myself today and good luck to him in the next round.

“I have to look back (at the start of the 2020 season] and be happy with how it’s gone. I’ve played a lot of matches and I have to put it in perspective. It’s been a good run so far so time to get home and rest up.