Andy Murray backs British No 1 Dan Evans to enjoy his career-best run at the US Open

Dan Evans has been backed by Andy Murray to have his career-best run at the US Open next week.

British No 1 Evans will be seeded for just the second time at a Grand Slam when the draw is made on Thursday having climbed to as high as 28 in the world rankings.

With at least five players ranked above him missing from Flushing Meadows, Evans is set to be one of the top 24 seeds, meaning he will avoid a match against any of the top eight until the last 16.

His best run at a Slam was at the US Open four years ago when he reached the third round.

But Evans will be looking to go further next week, having returned from the Covid-19 lockdown with an impressive win over world No 14 Andrey Rublev at the Western and Southern Open, before he lost to Milos Raonic on Monday.

‘He’s got the ability to do very well in these conditions,’ said Evans’ Davis Cup team-mate Murray, who has received a wildcard to compete at the US Open.

‘Rublev has been one of the top players this year and Dan took him out and caused him all sorts of problems. If he gets a good draw, he’s got an opportunity to do well.’

Meanwhile, Johanna Konta showed her own US Open credentials yesterday as she cruised past Russian veteran Vera Zvonareva to reach the quarter-finals of the Western and Southern Open.

The British No 1 suffered a heart scare two weeks ago but looked close to her best in a comfortable 6-4, 6-2 win as she warms up for next week’s Grand Slam, where six of the top 10 women are missing.

‘I enjoy these courts at Flushing Meadows,’ said Konta. ‘I am just happy to be back playing again.’