Kyle Edmund defeats John Isner to set up US Open clash with Novak Djokovic
ByPA Sport
Published 03/09/2016 at 05:19 GMT
Britain's Kyle Edmund set up a US Open showdown with Novak Djokovic by beating John Isner to reach the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time.
Kyle Edmund continues his progress at Flushing Meadows on Friday evening
Image credit: PA Sport
American 20th seed Isner delivered 27 aces and enjoyed the support of a raucous home crowd in Louis Armstrong Stadium, but Edmund overcame both to win 6-4 3-6 6-2 7-6 (7/5).
The 21-year-old will now meet world number one Djokovic, Andy Murray's chief rival at Flushing Meadows, for a place in the quarter-finals.
Edmund was beaten by Isner in straight sets at the French Open this year but the Briton has come into form at Flushing Meadows, knocking out world number 15 Richard Gasquet in round one.
"It's been a great tournament so far. I've really enjoyed playing here, although maybe not the result you guys wanted," Edmund said on court afterwards.
"I think, playing John, your chances don't come very often, so you have to capitalise when they do.
"With his serve, you see how many aces he hits, when you get a racket on the ball you have to get in court and hustle. I played the big points well, especially in that tie-break.
"I knew it was going to come down to one or two points and I'm very pleased I came out on top."
This was Edmund's third top-30 victory, with Gilles Simon also despatched at Queen's, and there is some symmetry to his breakthrough run, given it was here that he reached the semi-finals of the boys' event in 2011.
That year, Isner made the last eight of the senior tournament, losing out to Murray, but this was Edmund's night under the floodlights in New York and his win was fully deserved.
Djokovic will be a step up in class, having enjoyed the benefit of two withdrawals and almost five days rest, but Edmund knows what to expect after losing to the Serbian in Miami in March.
He may also seek advice from Murray, his compatriot and mentor, who knows the 12-time major champion's game as well as anyone.
"It's going to be a tough match. Playing the world number one is always going to be tough," Edmund said.
"He's rightfully world number one. He's been very consistent at a high level.
"I'll learn from what happened in Miami. Playing Isner at the French Open helped me (on Friday night) so maybe that will help me again."
The Yorkshire-based youngster has always had talent but his rise in confidence has been notable since he led Britain to Davis Cup victory, without Murray, over Serbia in July.
Davis Cup captain Leon Smith was watching on in the crowd and after Dan Evans beat Alexander Zverev on Thursday, he has a selection dilemma ahead of the quarter-final against Argentina this month.
Edmund raced out of the blocks, breaking for 3-2, and, while he came under pressure when serving out, he converted a third set point to move one frame clear.
As the light dimmed, the noise rose, and Isner thrived on the atmosphere, although it was a stroke of fortune that prompted his break when a mis-hit return caught Edmund by surprise.
That was all he needed as the American served out with an ace and he looked to have the momentum when he opened up 0-40 and three break points at the start of the third.
Edmund, however, saved all three and then broke twice himself, sealing the set when Isner failed to make a simple forehand volley.
The fourth set was the most dramatic but Edmund never cowered and instead it was Isner who lost his cool at 5-4, appealing his opponent's ace only to find all his challenges were used up.
Into the tie-break, Edmund slapped a short forehand into the net but again responded as a superb return forced Isner to spurn a half-volley.
Edmund moved 6-3 ahead and, while Isner saved two match points to make his opponent serve out, the Briton obliged, as a forehand winner confirmed his thrilling victory in two hours and 43 minutes.
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