ranking by the American Tennis Association (ATA) for his exploits during the 1992 season.

In fact the 29-year-old won all five ATA-sanctioned tournaments he entered, including the Mall, Shiloh, Anacostia, Skip Davis and WCTC, as he sizzled during the months of June, July and August going undefeated in 24 matches.

"I was completely taken by surprise,'' said Evans from his office at the Department of Treasury in Washington, D.C. "It's probably the single greatest achievement I've ever had in tennis.

"I had a prolific summer around here...I won them all.

"I was hot and got on a roll.'' Evans battled all year against competition made up mostly of top college players looking to use the ATA -- a national organisation -- as a stepping stone to playing professionally on the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tours.

The ATA is regarded as a breeding ground for aspiring black tennis players, having produced the likes the late great Arthur Ashe and black women's pioneer Althea Gibson.

While wishing to have the opportunity to play professionally and have a shot at joining this elite group, Evans emphasised that the cost of doing so is overwhelming great and not feasible at this point in time.

Said Evans: "ATP tennis is very expensive and that cost makes it prohibitive for me. I would definitely need a sponsor.

"Right now the main shoe companies like Nike and Reebok are so cash-strapped with them busy paying millions to Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal) and (Michael) Jordan that there is little money left over (for the lesser-known athletes).'' This year Evans plans to compete in approximately 12 tournaments overseas -- mostly in the Washington and surrounding area -- but promised he would come home for at least one tournament, most likely the Coral Beach Invitational in November.

"I've pledged to come back and win the reverse side.'' Having reached the semifinals of the Wilson Hammer Series tournament in Baltimore last week before bowing out, Evans has the MADA Men's 25 Indoor Championships beginning March 19, as his next event.

DONALD EVANS -- Number one in ATA.