It was a dream debut for Kyle Edmund at the Madrid Open as he brushed aside Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-0, in just under 80 minutes.
Playing at the Caja Magica for the first time in his career, the British No.1 had all the answers against his opponent. Who failed to convert all seven of his break point opportunities. After coming through a testing opening set, Edmund raced towards the finishing line. Claiming 64% of the points behind his serve and breaking his opponent four times in total.
“The first set was pretty even and hustling. It was good to get that mental breakthrough. Then in the second it was good.” Said Edmund.
Playing in the tournament for the first time in his career, he remains unfazed by the conditions. Madrid is located 450 meters above seas level, meaning the ball travels quicker. Benefitting the more aggressive and harder hitting players. Not that discourages Edmund, who has had limited time to prepare for the event following his doubles success at the Estoril Open on Sunday.
“With my racket head speed I have a higher racket head speed. Sometimes if you mistime it (the ball), it shoots off.” He explained. “When you’re giving it a crack, you don’t need to give it so much. You, allow the conditions to do the work for you.”
“It is just little adjustments here and there. It is the same for everyone.” He then added.
Edmund never felt the need to seek specific advice from other players in regards to playing in Madrid. For him, he is just relieved to finally have first hand experience of the event at last.
“I didn’t speak specifically to anybody, but you hear over time through players that Madrid is higher altitude than other tournaments.” The 22-year-old explained.
“So you just know that and you can see on TV as well, sometimes from the points that are played and the speed. It is just nice to come here and experience it.”
In the third round Edmund will take on Novak Djokovic, who defeated Kei Nishikori on Monday. At stake will be a chance to place in the third round of a Masters tournament for the first time in his career.
