I can Ed into top 10 spot
® from IAIN STEWART
in Paris
KYLE EDMUND intends to prove John McEnroe right by breaking into the world’s top 10.
The American legend believes that if Edmund, the last Brit standing in the French Open, doesn’t crack it this year, then he definitely will in the next 12 months.
A win today in the third round over fiery Italian Fabio Fognini, the 18th seed, would do those ambitions no harm.
World No.17 Edmund has beaten wildcard Alex de Minaur and Hungarian Marton Fucsovics so far, dropping just one set.
McEnroe said the Yorkshireman would, “Get into the top 10 in the next year, maximum, maybe less.”
And Edmund said: “For someone to say that is great. Top 10 in waiting – okay, but I have to do it.
“You have to earn it, win the matches. You can’t just suddenly pop up there.
“I believe I can. I have confidence in my game, the way I have played against guys ranked at the top.
Thumped
“Dimitrov and Alexander Zverev were top-three in the world when I played them this year.
“I’ve played the No.1s in the world in Novak and Rafa Nadal.
“I’m still young at 23, but as you get older and move up the rankings, top 10 is a goal. It has to be.
“This would definitely be a nice win if I can do it.
“Fognini is a seasoned pro, knows what he is doing, has always had a top ranking.”
The Italian is dangerous – he destroyed GB’s hopes of making the Davis Cup semi-finals in 2014 in Naples when he thumped Andy Murray 6-3 6-3 6-4.
He is also under threat of a suspension from Grand Slams after being fined for using “derogatory and misogynistic” language towards a female umpire at last year’s US Open.
Fognini said: “Kyle is growing as a player. He is more difficult to beat on hard court than clay.”
Former French Open champion and world No.1 Novak Djokovic came through a gruelling four-hour match against Spanish 13th seed Roberto Bautista-Agut.
Djokovic won 6-4 6-7 7-6
6-2 after three hours and
48 minutes and faces Spain’s 30th seed Fernando Verdasco for a place in the quarter-finals.