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Dan Evans: British number 3 tennis player reveals he tested positive for cocaine

Failed test: Dan Evans: Kin Cheung/AP
Failed test: Dan Evans: Kin Cheung/AP

British tennis player Dan Evans has announced that he tested positive for cocaine in April.

The player is currently ranked Britain's number three and 50th in the world.

Mr Evans claims he took the illegal substance out of competition and for reasons "completely unrelated to tennis".

The 27-year-old called an impromptu press conference at the Novotel hotel in London on Friday afternoon where he took no questions but made a statement.

Evans said: "This is a very difficult day for me and I wanted to come here in person to tell you guys face to face.

"I was notified a few days ago that I failed a drugs test in April where I tested positive for cocaine. It's really important you know this was taken out of competition and the context was completely unrelated to tennis.

"I made a mistake and I must face up to it. I do not condone for one second to anyone that this was acceptable behaviour.

"I've let a lot of people down - my family, my coach, my team, sponsors, British tennis and my fans.

"I can only deeply apologise from the bottom of my heart. This has been an extremely sad and humbling experience."