'You have to believe' – Edmund says he can win Australian Open
| 2018 Australian Open |
|---|
| Dates: 15-28 January Venue: Melbourne Park |
| Coverage: Watch highlights on BBC Two, the BBC Sport website and app. Live commentary on the best matches on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and online. |
British number two Kyle Edmund said “you have to believe” when asked whether he can win the Australian Open.
The 23-year-old beat Italy’s Andreas Seppi 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-2 6-3 to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.
He will play third-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov next and sees no reason why he cannot make further progress.
“That’s why I’m in the quarter-finals – because every time I step on the court, I believe I’m going to win,” said Edmund.
“It’s no different now. The next opponent, I take it one step at a time.
“I have to believe I’m going to win and believe in my game.”
The story so far
| Edmund’s route to the last eight |
|---|
| First round: Beats Kevin Anderson 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 |
| Second round: Beats Denis Istomin 6-2 6-2 6-4 |
| Third round: Beats Nikoloz Basilashvili 7-6 (7-0) 3-6 4-6 6-0 7-5 |
| Fourth round: Beats Andreas Seppi 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-2 6-3 |
Edmund is ranked 49th in the world and has yet to reach an ATP final, but claimed the best win of his career in rankings terms when he beat 11th seed Kevin Anderson in round one.
The Yorkshireman changed his coaching team at the end of last year and the role is now split between Briton Mark Hilton and Swede Fredrik Rosengren, with the latter on duty in Melbourne.
Edmund spent his off-season at his new base in the Bahamas working on his serve in particular, and 25 aces played a huge part in the win over Seppi.
“It’s a very small margin and balance between winning and losing,” said Edmund. “It’s always been like that.
“I have known that I have not been far off. Now that I’m winning, it’s just small, small margins in an elite sport.”
Edmund’s Grand Slam record
| Tournament | Best result |
|---|---|
| Australian Open | Quarter-finals (2018) |
| French Open | Third round (2017) |
| Wimbledon | Second round (2017) |
| US Open | Fourth round (2016) |
Edmund has become used to answering questions about Andy Murray over the past week, with the Scot absent as he recovers from hip surgery.
Murray has played a significant role in Edmund’s development, inviting him to training camps and playing a senior role in the Great Britain Davis Cup team.
However, with Murray out of action for the next few months, Edmund could replace him as British number one before he returns in the summer.
Edmund is getting used to the increased attention as the only British player left in the singles draws in Melbourne.
“I guess I get maybe more messages on social media and stuff,” he said.
“There’s obviously a bit more attention the more matches you win.
“I think that’s obviously encouraging, but in terms of messages from back home, it’s generally the same people that messaged me last year.
“It’s nice to have people close to you and that care about you and want you to do well.
Who is Kyle Edmund?
- Born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1995 but moved to Yorkshire aged three.
- Turned pro in 2012 after a junior career that saw him win the Junior Davis Cup and the US Open and French Open doubles.
- Made his Wimbledon debut in 2013 but in five appearances has only won one match there.
- Was part of the Great Britain team that won the 2015 Davis Cup for the first time in 79 years.
- Reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time at the 2016 US Open.
- Yet to win a singles title, his career-high ranking came in October 2016 when he reached number 40.
- His first-round victory against 11th seed Anderson was his career-best victory.
- Now closing in on replacing injured Andy Murray as British number one.