British No 1 to move into the world's top-20 for the first time in his career
Wednesday 9 May 2018 21:13, UK
Kyle Edmund produced one of his most notable performances to defeat former world No 1 Novak Djokovic and reach the Madrid Open third round.
Edmund arrived in the Spanish capital on the back of a maiden doubles title on the ATP circuit alongside Cameron Norrie, and maintained his upturn in results with a 6-3 2-6 6-3 victory in one hour and 42 minutes.
The 23-year-old started the campaign in fine form with a run to the Australian Open semi-finals, although injury and a loss of confidence hindered his progress, but a return to the clay - his favoured surface - has resulted in encouraging strides.
"It was a great experience to obviously beat Novak. I have lost to him three times and he is a legend of the game," Edmund told Sky Sports.
"When it's your first match to share the court it is an experience but now, especially after reaching the semis of the Australian Open, it is time to try and beat these guys.
"I was very pleased today, it was my first time on that court, with how I managed my game - especially in that third set."
Edmund broke the 12-time Grand Slam winner's serve in the opening game of the match, only for Djokovic to hit back immediately, but a third break in the fifth game of the contest saw the Brit regain the initiative.
He held on to his advantage and closed out the opening set with his third break, as Djokovic struggled.
Djokovic began the second set in determined fashion to break Edmund's opening service game and edged further ahead with a second break in the seventh game, before closing out to force a decider.
Edmund was forced to show great resolve and reel off three break-point opportunities to hold serve in the fifth game of the third set as Djokovic looked to increase the pressure on the world No 22.
The Brit made the most of a break point in the eighth game - his solitary opportunity of the final set - before emphatically serving for victory and a meeting with eighth seed David Goffin on Thursday after the Belgian overcame Robin Haase 7-5 6-3.
"It's not the end of the world," Djokovic said. "Obviously, I've played this sport for so many years and had a bunch of success. I try to always remind myself and be grateful for that.
"At the same time, nobody is forcing me to play this sport. I do it because I like it. That's where I draw my strength."
Sixth seed Kevin Anderson defeated Mikhail Kukushkin 5-7 7-6(7-3) 6-2 to set up a third-round encounter with the veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber after the German recorded a 6-3 4-6 7-5 win over 11th seed Roberto Bautista Agut.
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