Kyle Edmund has become the sixth British man in the Open Era to reach a grand slam semifinal after knocking out world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, at the Australian Open.
The encounter on the Rod Laver arena was the second meeting between the two players this year after Brisbane. Similar to their first match, Edmund pushed Dimitrov around the court with the help of his speedy serve and electrifying forehand. The only difference was that this time he was able to prevail against the inconsistent third seed, who hit seven double faults and 36 unforced errors.
“I knew it was going to be tough.” Said Edmund, who didn’t start playing tennis until the age of 10. “I had a bit of a dip in the second set. I think it was quite poor tennis at some points (of the match).
“In the third set I managed to break his at the end. I had a bit of a blip in the fourth set, but I just held my nerve in the last game and pray that last ball was out.”
Embarking upon his maiden grand slam quarter-final at the age of 23, Edmund displayed few signs of nerves during what was a roller coaster clash. Trading breaks during the opening set, the British No.2 managed to come out on top in the crunch moments. The first real breakthrough for Edmund occured at 4-4 when he slammed a forehand winner down the line to break for a 5-4 lead. Enabling him to seal the first set after coming through a tentative service game, where he fended off a trio of break points before securing the lead.
“I was nervous, but once you go on there (the court) it is another tennis match. That’s what I kept saying to myself. I’ve hit millions of forehands, backhands and serves. It is just a case of can you do it under pressure.” He explained.
“I backed myself, believed it and it worked.”
Grabbing a stronghold in the match, Edmund braced himself for an inevitable comeback from his opponent. ATP Finals champion Dimitrov has won 20 matches at Melbourne Park, more than any other major event. The Bulgarian illustrated why he is the third best player in the world with a one-sided second set to level the match as the errors started to mount from the Brit.
Despite the setback, Edmund refused to be intimidated as his rival began to once again buckle under the pressure. Experience proved irrelevant after a Dimitrov double fault resulted in a break of serve and eventually cost him the third set. The intensity of Edmund’s shots continued to wore Dimitrov down as he continued to dictate the rallies. An impressive display from somebody who is yet to reach an ATP Tour final.
Closing in on the most significant win of his career was by no means a simple task. Exchanging breaks in the fourth, it was once again Dimitrov’s inconsistency that paved the way for the Yorkshire-based player. Two games away from victory, a backhand into the net from the third seed on break point moved him nearer towards the finish line. The focus of the world No.49 was unstoppable as he hit an ace down the centre of the court to grab his first match point. Converting it with ease after a Dimitrov shot drifted beyond the baseline. Moving the Brit into his maiden grand slam semifinal.
“It’s an amazing feeling. I’m very happy.” Said Edmund, who was trying to get to grips with what he had achieved. “With these sorts of things you are so emotionally engaged that you don’t really take it in. You don’t really enjoy yourself.”
“I just tried to enjoy the moment. It was my first match on this court (Rod Laver) and it was very special.”
As a result of his triumph, Edmund is now a member of a prestigious group of British men to have reached the last four of a major in the Open Era. Joining Roger Taylor, John Lloyd, Greg Rusedski, Tim Henman and Andy Murray.
“As a kid you’re just growing up looking at idols who you inspire to be. When you’re on these types of stages reaching the last stages of the best tournament of the world, it is obviously very pleasing.” He said.
“Of course, I want to keep going.”
In the semifinals the 23-year-old will take on either Marin Cilic or top seed Rafael Nadal.
