Edmund digs deep

Originally published on 15/01/18 00:00

The Englishman claimed the biggest win of his career as he rallied from a break down in a topsy-turvy decider to down No.11 seed, Kevin Anderson, 6-7(4) 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 and register his first ever victory in Melbourne.

Edmund, who suffered an agonising five-set defeat to Anderson at the French Open last year, was unusually animated throughout the lengthy tussle and his gutsy attitude helped him overcome the US Open finalist.

Time and again Edmund was forced to dig deep, but on each occasion he mustered a suitable response. The British No.2 has struggled to capitalise on promising situations in the past, and he will hope this victory signals the end of his generosity.

At one stage in the match, Anderson won 26 consecutive points on serve. Edmund also watched 35 aces whistle past him yet he still found a way to break his crestfallen rival four times.

"The match was such a rollercoaster,” said the weary-looking Brit after his fine win. “You just have to stay as tough as you can, there are going to be blips, but I’m just really happy.

"We had a five-set match in Paris, so I was thinking I’ve got to get this, I can’t let the same thing happen again. I got broken early (in the decider) but I’m just really, really pleased with how I stayed tough and broke him twice at the end of the match.”

Elsewhere on the grounds, John Isner suffered a shock defeat. The big-serving American, who was a possible last sixteen opponent for Rafael Nadal, fell to Matthew Ebden in four sets.

Grigor Dimitrov, tipped by many to lift the title, conceded just six games as he dismissed Dennis Novak with considerable ease.

“I’ll take it match by match,” said the Bulgarian, when asked if he is ready to win a maiden Grand Slam. “It’s a dream of mine, I’m not going to lie. The only thing I can do is keep progressing and build on every match that I have.”

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