Dan Evans says missing out on a Wimbledon main-draw wildcard has not motivated him more in qualifying as he overcame Juan Carlos Prado Angelo in the first round.
The 36-year-old, who will end his career after the championships, has been given a wildcard into the men’s doubles with Henry Searle, who he has been working with since January.
However, Evans missed out on one of the eight singles wildcards, meaning he needs to win three matches in Roehampton this week to play one last singles at SW19.
The former British number one expressed frustration earlier in June at not being given a wildcard for Queen’s , saying it would have been a “classy gesture” to get one.
After beating Bolivia’s Prado Angelo 7-6 (7-2) 6-3, Evans said he was “no more motivated to win matches here because I didn’t get the wildcard”.
“I play tennis for myself, not to prove other people wrong and I’ve done that throughout my career,” he added.
“It’s nothing to do with the All England Club giving or not giving me a wildcard. They gave me one in doubles and I am appreciative of that.
“It’s neither here nor there if they gave me a wildcard. I love the tournament, but I am no more motivated to win matches here because I didn’t get the wildcard.
“A lot of people have run with that story – it’s untrue.
“I’m really happy that I ended up playing qualifying, to get a chance to come and play in this atmosphere.”
