BLOCK & LOAD
Kyle keeping focus on Cilic mission as frenzy grows around Brit’s Oz heroics
KYLE EDMUND knows his shock Australia Open run is creating excitement back home but is keeping his cool ahead of today’s semi-final against Marin Cilic.
The Englishman, 23, has been grabbing the headlines in Melbourne, beating US Open finalist Kevin Anderson in the first round and third seed Grigor Dimitrov in the last eight.
Edmund joked after his win over Dimitrov he now knows how Andy Murray feels after finding himself in the spotlight.
And he said: “It’s a lot more attention than I usually get, just loads more texts and messages on social media.
“I know my family have been really busy with stuff there. My mate who runs the local tennis club has been asked questions and so have school teachers.
“The reaction has been amazing. But I’m trying to block that out because I’m still playing in the tournament. I have a really good chance. I’m playing well so it’s going to be a great experience.”
Edmund’s parents Steven and Denise are keen supporters of his career and will be in Marbella next week for Britain’s Davis Cup tie against Spain.
But they’ve had to follow their son’s remarkable progress on TV in the middle of the night.
And they won’t be making a last-minute dash Down Under from Yorkshire – at least not yet.
Edmund said: “Maybe we’ll see how this match goes but at the minute they’re just at home. I also have family in South Africa, they’re constantly texting and waking up early to watch, so everyone’s really supporting me.”
Edmund is not short of support in Australia, led by coach Fredrik Rosengren.
The 57-year-old, one of the most experienced coaches in the business, said: “He’s realising more and more his life has changed. I hope he enjoys it a lot. This comes with the success.
“He’s a down-to-earth, polite guy so I’m not expecting him to run out tomorrow and buy a Ferrari. He’s not that kind of guy.
“But at the same time it’s good for his personality to have this feeling he’s so good at doing something.”
Croatian Cilic is through to the semi-finals for the second time after outlasting Rafa Nadal, who retired with a hip problem in the fifth set of their clash.
He and Edmund met for the first time in Shanghai in October as Cilic won in two tight sets.
But victory would see the world No.49 surpass Murray as British No.1 and Edmund added: “It’s a shame Rafa had a problem.
“Either way it was going to be a tough match. The fact I’m facing Marin will be a great opportunity for me.”