Dan Evans accused of using 'dark arts' by BBC commentator during all-British clash

With the match tied at 5-5 in a crucial moment, Clarke complained to the chair umpire about his opponent's conduct between serves.

Clarke asked the official, "Is that normal?", describing how Evans was "walking to the side and then walking back" between points. The 26-year-old's irritation was evident as he pressed the issue further.

After losing the second set, Clarke returned to his grievance with the umpire, saying: "I'd rather you just tell me that's not normal, because it's not."

BBC commentators offered sharp analysis of Evans' tactics during the match.

Former British tennis professional Dominic Inglot, on co-commentary duties, observed: "Dan Evans is a master of the dark arts, let's say, and he's used them extremely well there."

Inglot acknowledged Clarke's complaints had merit but suggested the younger player needed greater mental resilience.

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He added: "You could say Jay Clarke is right, but on the flip side he has to be mentally tougher than that. He can't be falling for those little tricks.

"A few extra seconds is not the end of the world. Maybe a little bit salty there after getting broken."

Andrew Cotter noted Clarke was "still festering" after losing the set, adding that Evans had "psyched Jake Clarke out and got in his head a little bit."

Evans secured a commanding 6-1 7-5 6-2 victory over Clarke on Court 12, seemingly using psychological tactics to win the all-British matchup.

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The match turned during a pivotal moment in the second set when Evans unleashed a loud roar after Clarke hit long, pushing him closer to breaking serve.

The controversial tactics proved effective as Evans dominated throughout, taking the first set 6-1 before his gamesmanship helped secure the crucial second set.

As both players headed for a bathroom break, Cotter remarked: "What that set demonstrated perfectly is that tennis is about psychology when you're taking on an opponent. Dan Evans in the bathroom will be having a little chuckle to himself."

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Evans maintained his dominance in the third set, taking control early and never relinquishing his grip on the match.

Clarke's frustration culminated in an ill-judged attempt at an underarm serve late in the contest, which looped unconvincingly into the net.

The 34-year-old Evans served out the match shortly afterwards, securing his place in the second round. He will face seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in his next match.

Cotter suggested Evans was relishing the psychological battle, noting the Birmingham player was "enjoying it even more so knowing that Jay Clarke was not enjoying that particular moment. Living rent free, is the expression."