Knee injury forces Kyle to call time on season
A BReAKThROUGh season for Kyle edmund came to a tame end last night when he made a late withdrawal from this week’s Rolex Paris Masters.
The British No 1 suffered discomfort in his left knee during last week’s ATP event in Vienna and had a scan in the French capital yesterday.
he was advised to withdraw from today’s second round against Russian Karen Khachanov largely as a precaution, having already played four consecutive weeks.
This latest health setback brings the curtain down on a year when he stepped into Andy Murray’s shoes with an unexpected degree of success, winning in Antwerp amd breaching the world’s top 15.
he progressed to such a degree that a good week in Paris could have gained him a place as an alternate for next month’s Nitto ATP Finals at london’s O2 Arena.
But edmund admitted yesterday that he would most likely have turned down the opportunity — even though it pays a minimum of £85,000 — because he already has his sights on preparing fully for next season, which could include having his tonsils removed after several health issues this season.
edmund said: ‘if you take an alternate spot then your preseason is shorter. You’re basically sitting on the sidelines while you could be taking a break and then getting ready for next year with the training. My thoughts are that i would rather train for next year than be an alternate.’
edmund was struck down by viral illnesses after making the Australian Open semi-final and then in the lead-up to the US Open. he wants to properly address the issue.
‘it depends on what the doctors think but at the minute i’m feeling OK so we haven’t had the need,’ said edmund, referring to his health beyond the nagging knee issue. ‘There’s always that chance of having some medicine but it’s something i’ve not gone into because if you take it you need to get permission. if i continue to get ill then it’s something i will do.’