'You wouldn't give these balls to a dog to chew' - Dan Evans after 2020 French Open loss

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 27/09/2020 at 16:51 GMT

Dan Evans has criticised the balls at the 2020 French Open after his five-set defeat to Kei Nishikori at Roland Garros with the Brit also unhappy with how slow the courts are at Roland Garros. The Japanese player beat Evans 1-6 6-1 7-6(3) 1-6 6-4 in their opening-round match in Paris.

Dan Evans has spoken of his disdain for the balls being used at the 2020 French Open after his five-set defeat to Kei Nishikori at Roland Garros.

Nishikori, playing only his fifth match of the year after elbow surgery, and a positive Covid-19 test which ruled him out of the US Open, won 1-6 6-1 7-6(3) 1-6 6-4.

The British 32nd seed looked set for his first ever French Open win as he cruised through the opening set, but Nishikori responded in very impressive fashion. After the match, Evans had some choice words about the balls used at Roland Garros, particularly given the brutal weather conditions in Paris.

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• French Open 2020: All you need to know
• French Open 2020 - LIVE updates from Roland Garros
• GB's Evans beaten in first round by Nishikori in five-setter

"Some of those [balls] we were using you wouldn't give to a dog to chew," Evans said after the match.

"I mean, listen, it is what it is. It's brutal. It's so cold.

"Maybe they got it a bit wrong with the balls... the balls are a bit heavy I think."

Highlights: Nishikori beats Evans in gruelling five-set clash

Nishikori produced a couple of inspired points to break the Evans serve at 4-5 and seal the victory, which represents another big blow for the Brit at a Grand Slam.

The world number 35 Nishikori will next take on Italy's Stefano Travaglia in the second round.

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