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Dan Evans loses in Wimbledon qualifying as James Ward edges closer to main draw

Dan Evans
Image: Dan Evans lost 6-0 6-3 to Matthias Bachinger

Dan Evans' bid to qualify for Wimbledon came to an abrupt end on Tuesday with a 6-0 6-3 defeat to Matthias Bachinger.

The 28-year-old was forced to come through pre-qualifying after Wimbledon decided not to give him a wildcard for the tournament following his suspension for cocaine use.

The former British No 2, who has been ranked inside the top 50, returned to the game over two months ago and has been in fine form, beating Belarusian Ilya Ivashka 6-4 6-4 in sweltering conditions at Roehampton on Monday.

That win put him two matches away from the main draw in south-west London, but he was unable to test his experienced German opponent.

James Ward is one match from the main draw at Wimbledon
Image: James Ward is one match from the main draw at Wimbledon

Fellow Brit James Ward enjoyed a better day though, beating American Bjorn Fratangelo 6-4 6-4 to reach the final round of qualifying.

It has been a very difficult two years for the British Davis Cup stalwart, who has been sidelined with persistent knee problems.

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But, fit again, Ward has been in good form this spring, climbing back to 363 in the world.

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