Edmund is hoping for more big-time adventures

KYLE Edmund has the grand slam bug and is determined his taste of the big time will not be his last.

The 23-year-old’s stunning run at the Australian Open ended with a 6-2 7-6 (7/4) 6-2 loss to sixth seed Marin Cilic in the semi-finals. However, Edmund will leave Melbourne with nothing but positive memories and encouragement for the months and years ahead.

He said: “Obviously I’m disappointed I lost but it’s been a really good couple of weeks for me. I got the experience of going deep in a slam for the first time and all the stuff that comes with it, playing a couple of matches on Rod Laver.

“I can be very happy with the way I’ve gone about things. I’ve played a lot of tough matches, won some tough matches, beat good players.

“There’s nothing better than winning best-of-five-set matches in tennis tournaments. Best-of-five sets should always stay in the men’s game. It’s a true test of quality and grit and stuff. It’s a battle.

“This type of tournament just gives you the bug to want more. Once you get a taste it’s like, ‘yeah, I want more of this’. I’ll definitely go away from the whole week feeling positive.”

Edmund’s big weapon, his sledgehammer of a forehand, was no secret but, under new coach Fredrik Rosengren, he has improved his serve and added the mental strength to flourish under pressure.

The package has been hugely impressive and, as well as his £500,000 in prize money, he will leave Australia as a top-30 player for the first time and with the belief he can push on towards the top of the game.

He said: “I know I can beat top players. It’s just obviously doing it a bit more consistently.”