TOUGHEST TEST FOR KYLE
KYLE EDMUND has claimed all the pressure is on Novak Djokovic as he bids to inflict the first defeat of 2020 on the world No1.
The Serb is a red- hot favourite to land an 18th Grand Slam title at the US Open.
Djokovic, right, has won the Australian Open, in Dubai, and at last week’s Western and Southern Open in this disrupted year before racking up his 24th consecutive victory in the opening round at Flushing Meadows against Damir Dzumhur.
Ahead of today’s secondround clash, the pair have met six times before with Edmund only winning at the Madrid Masters on clay in 2018.
The British No2, who showed great composure to fight back after losing the first set against Alexander Bublik in the first round, said: “It’s the hardest match on tour. He’s the guy to beat.
“It’s going to be a very tough match for many reasons.
“Is he beatable? Of course. All the pressure is on him in terms of him being expected to win. I’m not. That phrase ‘ go and have a free hit’ is OK but you can’t just go out there and swing.
“Just swinging doesn’t mean you are going to have better success.
“Against Djokovic you have to be very disciplined when you swing. You can’t just hit through him.
“The way he plays doesn’t allow you to do it. I have to focus on myself and not worry about him.
“My game is about me expressing myself and certainly when I play the better guys that is my strength.
“My strength is not trying to play them at their game. I’ve got to play my game.”
Djokovic, who believes No44 Edmund has the potential to return to the world’s top 20, said: “I know pressure is a privilege, pressure is part of what we do.
“I try to embrace it. I don’t have an issue with pressure because I’m used to it.” Edmund reached the 2018
Australian Open semi- finals and climbed to world No14 that year, helped by his win over the Serb in Madrid.
The 25- year- old Briton, though, has since suffered injuries and loss of form.
Djokovic said: “He does have a really good serve and forehand, two big weapons. I’ve had some good matches against him in the past.
“I have a lot of respect for him. He’s a really hard worker, puts a lot of hours on and off the court into perfecting his game.
“His results were kind of up and down a little bit but I think he does have the game and the potential to be in the top 20, without a doubt.
“It’s going to be a tough one. I’m sure he has not so much to lose. It’s important for me to start off well.”
Djokovic launched his US Open campaign by beating Bosnian Dzumhur 6- 1, 6- 4, 6- 1. In 2011, the Serb started the season with a remarkable 41- match winning streak before suffering his first loss in the French Open semi- finals to Roger Federer.
He said: “Every player has a different way of approaching these streaks. But having had that experience a couple of times before in my career helps because I am aware of it absolutely. I can’t lie.
“I have had so many matches in my career that I won when I was down, big Grand Slams and stuff.
“I know what I need to do and how to behave.”