LONDON: Embarking upon the grass season this year, Kyle Edmund finds himself facing different barriers to that of 12 months ago.
A lackluster clay swing saw the British No.1 win two matches in six tournaments played. Then to add further to his woes, a recurrence of a knee injury forced him to quit the French Open. In total, Edmund has managed to win 11 out of 21 matches this season and is currently just inside the world’s top 30 at 29th.
“It’s gone as well as I would like it to go,” Edmund commented about his ongoing rehab on Sunday. “It is always a process like even after this week, I have to continue to get it better. I’m happy with how it has improved.”
Edmund is hoping that he will be able to turn his fortunes around this week at the Fever-Tree championships. A tournament where he made his debut back in 2013 at the age of 18. He doesn’t appear to be too troubled by his recent injury woes with training going according to plan. Dismissing suggestions that he is taking a risk because of the upcoming Wimbledon Championships. The ultimate tournament for British players such as Edmund.
“We already knew the problem so it was just about training and getting the plan together. Trying to stick to it as best as we can and try to improve it. Get it stronger.” He said.
“I want to play this week and feel like I am in the best state to play. If I wasn’t in a state to play, I wouldn’t. But I feel like I am in a position to do so.”
Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, he has been given a stern test at The Queen’s Club. Awaiting him in the first round will be top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas. A player who already has won two ATP titles and reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open this season. Edmund’s only win over top-20 opposition so far in 2019 was against Milos Raonic at the Miami Masters.
“He’s (Tsitsipas) has played a lot, won a lot. At the same time, it is almost like an ideal situation where there is no pressure on me to do well. Everything is on him. Also here you get support from the crowd.” Edmund previewed.
“There are quite a few positives, but at the same time it’s a tough match.”
Life in the shadows
The underdog status is a blessing in disguise for the former world No.14, who was seeded seventh in the draw last year. Besides having nothing to lose when he plays Tsitsipas, the return of Andy Murray has eased the attention of the home crowd on him. Murray will play in the doubles draw alongside Feliciano Lopez in what will be his first test on the tour since undergoing hip resurfacing surgery.
“It’s nice just to see him back in terms for him. In terms for me, nothing changes as in start to play better, play more freely or anything like that. It is just nice to see him back.” He commented about Murray’s return.
“I just carry on with my own business and schedule.”
Edmund has had conversations with the three-time grand slam champion in recent weeks. Although he doesn’t know the full details about Murray’s current health.
“I think he just wants to be on court and playing after being off for so long. It’s always a positive sign. I’ve not spoken to him in any detail, but from what I read it sounds like he’s happy and positive about where he is at compared to last year. That’s a good step.”
One possibility for Murray, who will not be playing any singles matches until later this year at best, is contesting the Davis Cup. The revamped competition features 18 teams taking part over a week in November. Britain was one of two countries to receive a wild card into the finals.
“It would be amazing to see him there. He has just been out for so long.” Said Edmund.
“He was the guy who put us through to the (2015) final and won it. Of course, it was a team effort, but he was a very big part of that.”
What Murray does in the near future remains to be seen, but Edmund’s focus remains on himself. Insisting that he is continuing to gain confidence on the grass as he gets older.
“I had my best grass-court season last year, played some good matches. For me, I learned a lot more about my movement rather than striking the ball or the way it is played.” He concluded.
