Evans stays hot against Loong under SoCal sun
SAN CLEMENTE, CA - Rising Australian star Tom Evans continues to impress at the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by FitVine Wines.
Seeded 49th, Evans knocked No. 22 Tyler Loong out of the singles draw with a 6-11, 11-0, 11-4 come-from-behind victory on Wednesday at Life Time Rancho San Clemente to advance to the Round of 16.
It marks the second consecutive notable victory for Evans, who defeated No. 14 Rafa Hewett on Tuesday in Round of 64 action.
The 23-year-old Melbourne resident is relishing his experience in the U.S., and with good reason after valiantly battling his way through qualifications to earn the right to face some of the best players on the planet.
"I didn't even expect to win my first match in qualifications, but I'm glad I'm here," said Evans with a laugh. "Physcially, I feel great. I'm good to go. It's so great to be here."
He will face top-seeded Federico Staksrud on Thursday.
Related articles
Winners in the wind: Waters snags Triple Crown No. 42 as Johns, Tardio take men's doubles gold
Anna Bright and Anna Leigh Waters continued their flawless 2026 campaign in women's doubles as Waters secured her 42nd career PPA Tour Triple Crown.
1 day ago
-Will Daughton
Staksrud overcomes slow start, outlasts Haworth in three games for second title of 2026
Federico Staksrud followed up a silver medal in Newport Beach with a gold medal in North Texas.
1 day ago
-Will Daughton
Waters, Johns avenge Mesa loss, beat Bright, Patriquin for mixed doubles gold
Three weeks after being swept in three games in the final of the Carvana Mesa Cup, Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns got their revenge on Sunday in the Lone Star State.
1 day ago
-Will Daughton
New MLP teammates Todd, Truong outduel Humberg, Rane in three games to make women’s doubles final
On the same day that they became Major League Pickleball teammates, Alix Truong and Parris Todd advanced to the women's doubles final with a three-game victory.
2 days ago
-Will Daughton