Edmund’s Paris run is ended as Djokovic displays his quality
KYLE Edmund’s Paris revival came to an end at the hands of Novak Djokovic yesterday.
The British No.3 had posted impressive back-to-back wins after arriving at the Rolex Paris Masters on an eight-match losing streak that stretched back to August.
But he came up against formidable opposition in Djokovic, with the 16-time Grand Slam winner coming through their third-round encounter in style, winning 7-6 (7) 6-1 for his 50th victory of 2019.
Edmund ( right), whose ranking has crashed into thehe 70s, put up a fight in the first set and will still see thishis as a positive week as hee hopes for a Davis Cupp call from captain Leon Smith.
The 24-year-old hurt Djokovic with some fearsome forehand winners early on and saved two set points to sendnd the opener to a tie-break.ak.
He had to save fourr more in the decider before the Serbian eventually got the job done to take the set and go in front, seemingly breaking the spirit of Edmund who crumbled in the second.
An early Djokovic break of serve to love set the tone and he powered through six successive games to book a last-16 meeting with Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“I was feeling energy-wise better and felt more alert, just more strength, more energy, more speed,” Djokovic said.
“I didn’t play so well, I think, from baseline in the first set. I served well. That got me to the tie-break.
“Second set was the best set I’ve played so far in the tournament. Finished off with a winner, finished off with amazing return game.
“So of course the sensation is very positive. And I’m convinced that I’m headed in the right direction so that tomorrow will be even better.”
Meanwhile, Gerard Pique has revealed he wants to expand the Davis Cup finals to a two-week event featuring 24 teams.
The first edition of the controversial new format, which will see 18 teams play for the trophy troph over a week, takes place pla next month at Madrid’s dr Caja Magica.
Barcelona defender Pique’s P Kosmos company has provi ded huge financial backing for f the event and persuaded su the International Tennis Federation to adopt ado the plans despite vociferous vocif opposition from some plplayers and fans. Pique and the ITF are hoping to move the event from its current position in the calendar, and the footballer has now revealed the intention is also to expand it.
He said: “It is a long-term project. It’s the tennis world cup and the idea is, over time, to go to a two-week competition and 24 teams.”
Rafael Nadal and Djokovic headline a strong list of team selections, but the standout absentee is Roger Federer.
Q AWhere did your football journey begin?
I used to go to the local leisure centre and summer camps in Castlederg. Paul Kee ran the Maiden City Soccer School and I did well there while going away on trips with them. From the age of 14 I started to break into Fermanagh and Western sides and progressed from there.
I started with Dergview and then went to Killen Rangers. I returned to Dergview and also went to Linfield Swifts for a season before Harry McConkey took me on loan to Ballinamallard.
That was about 20 years ago! Whitey Anderson later signed me when the Mallards got into the Premiership. Gavin Dykes took over but we couldn’t reach an agreement and I went on to Dergview.
Harry came back in for me and because of the respect I had for him I thought it was right to have a third spell with United.
I played golf when I was younger but football was my major passion.
Q AHe has always been a great man, even taking an interest in your personal life and making sure you are okay.
The young boys are thriving under him because he is so approachable and easy to talk to. Some managers might not have great man management skills but that’s one of Harry’s strengths. As a manager, Harry’s an all-rounder.
Q AHas Harr y been a big influence on your career? Did you have a full-time professional dream?
What held me back was that I was tiny when I was younger. I didn’t start sprouting until I was about 18. From the ages of 14 to 18, I was very small and that restricted my progress.
Of c o u r s e y o u h av e dreams, but it reaches a stage when you accept t hings won’ t happen. Linfield showed an interest when I was 17 but I didn’t make a first-team appearance under David Jeffrey. They had Peter Thompson, Glenn Ferguson, Chris Morgan and Davy Larmour so I was well down the pecking order.
Q AI always believed in my abilities but I still never take anything for granted and understand I need to earn my place in the team.
I always make sure I try to push myself and that attitude has worked well for me.
Q AWere you a confident player? Would you have changed anything about your career?
When I was in Australia I was with Brisbane Wolves, and then the manager of Brisbane Roar was keen for me to go to trials. I returned home but an ex-girlfriend was unable to get a visa sorted and I didn’t take the chance.
That’s a regret, not playing in the A League in Australia, but if I had stayed I wouldn’t have met