SYDNEY TENNIS CLASSIC

January 12, 2022

Daniel Evans

Press Conference

D. EVANS/P. Martinez

6-2, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Can you start by giving us your general thoughts on the win today.

DANIEL EVANS: Yeah, I thought I played good. It was a tough match after last week. You know, we finished on a bit of a low, so it was important to win and play a good match today. So I did that, and happy to come through.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Where is your confidence lying now, let's say, compared to a year ago?

DANIEL EVANS: I'm not sure. I mean, I really enjoy coming to Australia. I think I get the most out of Australia because I give a bit of a sacrifice. I always come early, get myself here, and I think that definitely helps.

You know, I find it easy here to play, I find it easy to live here. That all must help and fills me with confidence to come out on the court and be happy and, yeah, compete hard. It's sort of the Aussie way to compete hard. The fans are pretty cool. It's all very well-supported event. I enjoy that.

Q. Would you say playing in Sydney or Australia generally you're the most comfortable after playing at home in the UK?

DANIEL EVANS: Yeah, I mean, I guess so. I have done pretty well here. You know, I'm here, obviously I'm here to win, but you've got to enjoy what you're doing. I really enjoy Australia. I really enjoy Sydney. Melbourne, as well. You know, they are all very different. But you get a lot of English people, as well.

As I said, it's well-supported. You know, we are very far away, but it does feel like you're at home, pretty at home, and it's a similar way of life to England minus our poor weather (smiling). But yeah, it's pretty similar, yeah.

Q. What are your thoughts on the next one? Do you know much about Cressy? I guess you know about Lajovic. He's been around a while.

DANIEL EVANS: Yeah, Cressy, actually I played him at Indian Wells challenger. Watched his match against Rafa the other night, yeah, just to watch the final. It was a good match. He's obviously very confident at the minute.

But, you know, I think the reason this game is so tough is you've got to back it up week after week, day after day, and that's sort of the beauty of the game. So we'll see what happens in that match.

Q. Your thoughts if it's Lajovic?

DANIEL EVANS: Yeah, I mean, very good tennis player. You know, always competes very hard. Played him at Wimbledon. A tough match.

You know, I think he's -- calling him a seasoned pro makes him sound old, but he's very professional and gets the most out of himself, and he's got a wonderful backhand, so it will be a good match.

Q. You're talking about how comfortable you feel over here. As far as in Sydney is concerned, when you're not here on-site, not at the hotel, are you doing anything? Getting around at all? What are you up to?

DANIEL EVANS: No, I mean, I haven't done much actually. You know, we had actually late nights in the ATP Cup. So, no.

I mean, I have been out to dinner. Yeah, some great restaurants, been out for some nice dinners, but not had much time just yet.

Melbourne, you get a bit more time on your days off. I try and get something good in Melbourne, but for this week it's business unfortunately, yeah.