At 35, Evans can't be sure how many Wimbledon tournaments he has left and in the build-up to the prestigious event he became emotional during a press conference as he discussed the challenges he has faced this year.
Currently ranked 170th in the world, Evans needed a wildcard to secure his place at SW19 but despite his struggles earlier this year, his grass-court form has been encouraging.
Against Clarke, who was making his first appearance in the main draw in three years, he looked hungry from the outset, breaking on his opponent's first serve before losing just one game on his way to taking the first set.
The second proved more of a battle as Clarke pushed Evans hard, with both serving strongly before the latter got the break in the 11th game before serving for the set.
Evans had let out a roar when securing the break, knowing how crucial it was on another hot day at Wimbledon, and he carried the momentum into the final set with an immediate break.
Clarke was then broken again in the fifth game with Evans' working his backhand well and he closed out the remainder of the set to progress.