Kyle Edmund is taking nothing for granted after achieving a milestone win in the first round of the Aegon Championships.
The South African-born Brit defeated world No.18 Gilles Simon, picking up the first top-20 win of his career. Edmund’s achievement at The Queen’s Club is impressive for a player who has only won one out of his eight previous pro matches on the grass. According to the statistics it is the best win in Edmund’s career, however, the 21-year-old is less convinced about the significance of his victory.
“I don’t know – on paper, it is my best win,” he said.
“It is tough to say if it is the best win in my career. When you look at your best wins you look at how you play, the situation, the opponent and everything together.”
A top-20 triumph was only a matter of time for the rising star. Currently ranked 85th in the world, Edmund has already won two Challenger titles this year and reach his maiden ATP quarter-final at the Doha Open. Now playing on home territory, Edmund is becoming more confident with the quick transition from the clay to the grass.
“I have had time to practice on it, which has really helped me.” Edmund said about the grass.
“I lost in the second round (at the French Open), so if you look at the advantage of that, I got more time to practice on the grass. So I think that has definitely helped me.”
Like every other British player, Edmund is preparing for the mecca of British tennis, the Wimbledon Championships. In his fourth consecutive Wimbledon appearance, the world No.85 will be hoping to end his run of three first round exits at SW19. Growing with confidence, Edmund feels that he can finally make his mark at the upcoming grand slam.
“I think how I have been playing, I feel like I have been playing well and a lot more consistent this year,” Edmund stated.
“I’d definitely say that going to Wimbledon this year I am better prepared than last year. I will probably say the same thing again next year.” He joked.
Prior to Wimbledon, Edmund still has unfinished business at this weeks ATP 500 event at the Aegon Championships. In the second round Edmund will play French veteran Paul Henri Mathieu, a player who has never won a title on the grass.
“I don’t really know a lot about him, to be honest. I practiced with him two or three years ago I think.” Edmund said about Mathieu.
Fortunately for Edmund, Mathieu defeated fellow Brit Dan Evans in his first round match. The Brit plans to speak with either Evans or his coach about Mathieu’s game style prior to the upcoming clash.
Edmund’s second round match will be the first on Centre Court on Thursday at 12:30 GMT. If Both him and Andy Murray win their second round matches, they will play in the first all-British ATP quarter-final since the 2002 AAPT championships.
