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Australian Open: Dan Evans on panic, Elton John distraction and straight-sets elimination

Britain’s last hope in the singles event of the Australian Open has been knocked out in devastating fashion by Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Evans won just six games as he was blown away by his opponent in just an hour and 53 minutes.
The Canadian prevailed 6-4 6-1 6-1 and will take on Marin Cilic in the Last 16 stage of the Grand Slam.
Evans, who enjoyed a walkover win in the previous round, admitted that panic had set in during the match.
He said: "I missed my chance and I panicked a bit, and that happens in tennis.
"I'm not making excuses but it wasn't easy to have a walkover and I sort of lost my momentum a little bit. I never had that before, two days off, and it was difficult.
"I thought about the match quite a lot and probably overthought it. He was obviously way better than me as well. But I think I didn't really play my game or didn't get my game on court.
"I thought I've got a decent chance to win that match and probably thought a bit too much about him rather than looking after myself, my own game."
During the match, sounds of the Beatles and Elton John from a nearby concert drifted over the area.
Evans didn't see the funny side during the match but afterwards he joked saying: "I don't know what that was but actually they should have kept it on, I played better with it on. It was probably the best part of the match, listening to that."
The 31-year-old was supported by his fellow British players, including Andy Murray, who congregated in the stands for the match.
Evans said: "It's a nice gesture that they came out. They're probably regretting wasting two hours of their time now, and they will probably let me know."
Evans will head to Dubai for a training block ahead of two tournaments in the Middle East next month, and he remains pleased with his start to the season.
He said: "It's a long year. It's not like I should be worried about what's happened. I started the year well, I've had some good wins, had real momentum going into the match and one match is one match.
"I've got to forget about it. It would be another mistake if I keep worrying about that match."

READ MORE: Nick Kyrgios claims he was threatened after doubles win

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