Australian Open 2019: Dan Evans produces shot of the year contender in qualifying

The former British No 2 has advanced in qualification in Melbourne by beating Jurij Rodionov in three sets

Dan Evans pulled off a shot of the year contender against Jurij Rodionov (Getty Images)

Dan Evans produced an early contender for shot of the year on his way to victory in Australian Open qualification against Jurij Rodionov.

The former British No 2 triumphed 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in Melbourne to advance to the final round of qualification.

Evans was pinned back to the base line with Rodionov at the net and predicted a shot to his forehand side before scrambling back, spinning 360 degrees and swatting a back hand winner past the Austrian.

Evans will now face Paolo Lorenzi on Friday with a place in the main draw at stake.

The 28-year-old is back at Melbourne Park for the first time in two years since a drugs ban.

After fighting back to 190 in the world, Evans will be hopeful of repeating his fourth round effort Down Under.

Harriet Dart has also reached the final round of qualification, with 22-year-old Londoner triumphing 7-6 (7/4) 6-1 victory over China’s Xu Shilin.

Dart, who is at a career-high ranking of 132, will face 10th seed Ivana Jorovic of Serbia on Friday.