British world No.84 Kyle Edmund has recorded his first ever win over a top 15 player after downing 13th seed Richard Gasquet 6-2, 6-2, 6-3, in the first round of the US Open.
In his main draw debut at Flushing Meadows, the South African-born Brit dominated proceedings against a somewhat sluggish Gasquet with the help of 40 winners.
Due to the disparity in experience between the two players, it was expected that Edmund would struggle in the encounter. Flushing Meadows marked his ninth appearance in a major tournament compared to Gasquet’s 47th. Nevertheless, it was the 21-year-old that got off to a flying start against a lacklustre world No.15. Firing a series of world-class forehand winners and aces, the Brit eased himself to a 5-2 lead with little resistance. Hitting a forehand deep to the corner of the court, Edmund clinched the opening set in under 30 minutes with the help of 15 winners and six aces.
Edmund’s electric start did trigger a rise in Gasquet’s game as the popular Frenchman started to produce his signature backhand shot in the second set. The signs were slightly encouraging for French fans, but the consistency was lacking. Gasquet was moving freely around the court, showing no signs of his recent back injury, but still appeared uncomfortable. Once again, it was the underdog that took control of the proceedings after a fiery winner was unsuccessfully returned by his rival, to elevate him to a set and a break.
For a player as inexperienced as Edmund, his composure on the court was impressive. Not once did he appeared overwhelmed or star-struck by the occasion. Instead, he stuck to his game plan, dictated play and capitalized on the opportunities when they arose. This winning approach soon resulted in a two-sets lead for Edmund after producing back-to-back winners against Gasquet’s temperamental serve.
What’s happening?!
Edmund is just one set away from ousting 13th seed Gasquet! #USOpen https://t.co/CdnFfvmqr8
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) 29 August 2016
After cruising through the first two sets, Edmund finally encountered difficulty. Gasquet’s chip and charge approach soon brought him success as the world No.15 grabbed his first break in the match to lead in the third set. The break by the 13th seed was soon short-lived as Edmund responded with a spectacular passing shot to level the set 3-3. Edmund’s momentum continued as a Gasquet forehand shank rewarded him with a chance to serve for the biggest win of his career. The task was no problem for the Brit as he slammed his 10th ace down the centre of the court to clinch the victory.
Reflecting on his milestone win in New York, the 21-year-old was delighted with the support he received from the crowd.
“Obviously I’m extremely happy right now.” Edmund said told Eurosport UK. “The crowd support was incredible. I didn’t expect to get this much support if I’m being honest. I was very fortunate that they came here and cheered me on. I’m happy that I was able to give back some really good tennis.”
Edmund, who won two grand slam doubles titles during his junior career, admitted that Gasquet’s reputation on the tour didn’t intimidate him in the match.
“I went about my process, didn’t really worry about who I was playing.” He said. “I think I said that before the match I know if I get my game on the court first, it will give me a good chance. I played better than I expected today.”
The win gives Edmund only his second top 20 triumph in his career after Gilles Simon at the 2016 Aegon Championships. In the second round Edmund will play either Lukas Lacko or Ernesto Escobedo.
In other early matches on the first day of the tournament, 2014 champion Marin Cilic brushed aside Brazil’s Rogerio Dutra Silva 6-4, 7-5, 6-1, in exactly two hours. The Croat is currently on a seven-match winning streak after clinching his maiden Masters title in Cincinnati a week ago.
20th seed Martin Klizan suffered an early exit to Mikhail Youzhny, losing 6-2, 6-2, 6-1. Youzhyny will play Argentina’s Guido Pella in the next round. Pella defeated American wild card Bjorn Fratangelo 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
