Edmund in tears after first title

KYLE EDMUND shed tears of joy after sealing his maiden ATP title at the European Open in Antwerp.

The British No.1 dropped the first set but came back to win 3-6 7-6 7-6 against Gael Monfils yesterday.

It is the latest breakthrough moment in a memorable season for Edmund, who reached his first grand slam semi-final at the Australian Open at the start of the year.

Edmund said: “I’ve not been able to string together my matches to win tournaments.

“There’s always been something to let me down. It’s been one of my goals to be more consistent.

“I had to really dig deep here and it’s great I’ve been able to have this experience and come through. It gives you so much belief and confidence for the next time it happens.”

Edmund, 23, struggled with the occasion in his first ATP final earlier this season in Marrakech.

But he held his nerve in Antwerp after overcoming a shaky start which saw him lose the first set against his French opponent.

Edmund fought back to take charge of the second set tie-break and held off two break points at the start of the deciding set before winning the title with his first match point.

Having made no secret of his desire to win a title, an emotional Edmund was in tears as he embraced his support team.

Edmund, who has replaced the injury-hit Andy Murray as Britain’s top player this year, will climb back to 14th in the world rankings today to equal his career high.

But the Yorkshireman’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in London for the first time are extremely remote.

Edmund was not the only British winner toasting success yesterday.

Luke Bambridge and Jonny O’Mara defeated Marcus Daniell and Wesley Koolhof in straight sets to take the doubles title in

Stockholm.