Evan Hoyt’s Wimbledon Dream Now Rests With Doubles Wild Card

Evan Hoyt’s dream of playing in the men’s singles at Wimbledon this year is over.

Wales’ number one lost in straight sets to Brazil’s Rogerio Dutra Silva in the opening round of qualifying at Roehampton.

But it was a desperately close battle which went against 24-year-old Hoyt as he lost 7-6, 7-6 to the world No.223 – a ranking almost 200 places above the Llanelli-born player.

The tense first set tie break went the way of Dutra Silva (12-10) and the second set was just as tight, before Hoyt lost the second tie break (7-5) to miss out on moving into round two.

6th title since getting back on dubs court in April! Couldn’t be happier 😃 Thanks to Luke for carrying me! pic.twitter.com/ioLI9fcbMR

— Evan Hoyt (@HoytEvan) December 8, 2018

Qualifiers make the tournament proper if they get through three rounds, but Hoyt could yet make Wimbledon in the men’s doubles.

Two wild cards for the draw are yet to be allocated and Hoyt and his regular doubles partner, Luke Johnson, have had a successful year and are ranked in the top 10 in the current ITF rankings.

Hoyt – now back to full fitness after coming through serious injury problems – has won eight doubles events across the world in the past year.

A number of former British players and current coaches have urged Wimbledon officials to give a place in the draw to Hoyt and Johnson.