Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
DOWN FOR THE COUNT
Edmund in race to make Aussie Open after horror fall sees rival Dimi play flying doctor
KYLE EDMUND insists he will be fit for the Australian Open despite a horror fall at the Brisbane International.
World No.3 Grigor Dimitrov turned into a flying doctor as he hurdled the net to help out after the British No.2 slipped and screamed in agony at 4-4 in the deciding set.
Edmund told the physio he heard a “click” but returned to the court with his right ankle strapped before losing 6-4 6-7 6-4.
The Yorkshireman, who will the highest-ranked British male player at Melbourne next week following Andy Murray’s withdrawal, said: “It’s nothing more than a rolled ankle. It’s annoying but I’m not going to say it cost me the match.” And Edmund praised the swift actions of Dimitrov, who ran over and helped him to his feet and then his seat. “He showed concern, which was really good,” said the world No.50. “He’s always been a good guy.”
Dimitrov, who won the Nitto ATP Tour Finals in London in November, was applauded more in his post-match courtside interview for his first aid than for his victory.
“At the end of the day it’s health that matters above all,” said the Bulgarian boyfriend of X-factor judge Nicole Scherzinger.
“It’s very unfortunate what happened, I have seen it too many times. I know the feeling. It was an instinctive thing to leap the net and go and see him. I knew the last two games he wasn’t at his best so I just had to find a way to win again. I really hope he gets better.”
Britain’s Jo Konta flew to Sydney yesterday before deciding whether she will be able to defend her title after pulling out in Brisbane with her hip injury.
Defending Australian Open champion Serena Williams has already announced her withdrawal from the first Slam of the season.
The American superstar won her 23rd Grand Slam title in Melbourne last year when she was eight weeks pregnant. She played an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi last weekend but said: “My coach and team always said: ‘Only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way.’ I can compete but I want to do far better than that. After competing in Abu Dhabi I realised that I’m not where I want to be.”