Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Kyle’s the cream of the crop
KYLE EDMUND is ready for his day in the sun after reaching the third round of the Australian Open for the first time – with help from his mum.
The British No.2 breezed past Denis Istomin in straight sets in only 89 minutes despite sweltering temperatures.
And the Yorkshireman now faces Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili with the thermometer set to top 40 degrees Down Under tomorrow.
“It’s going to be hot,” forecast the Bahamasbased Edmund. “Whoever manages it best probably will have a better outcome.
“I got a bit burned on Monday. I didn’t put enough sun cream on. Yeah, it’s my neck that gets the worst ones.
“I know I have to because of my pale skin. I have to take responsibility. My mum gives me a lecture if I don’t.”
Edmund, the conqueror of Kevin Anderson in the opening round, dropped only three points on his first serve as he dispatched Istomin 6-2 6-2 6-4.
And if the world No.49 beats world No.61 Basilashvili, he will face either Andreas Seppi (76) or Ivo Karlovic (89) to get to the quarter-finals.
Edmund, who is working with new Swedish coach Freddie Rosengren, said: “I’m playing well. I’m happy with where I’m at in my game,
Rafa Nadal called for the roofs to be closed to keep out the sun after his straight-sets win over Argentinian Leonardo Mayer.
“I think it’s a health issue,” said the world No.1. “Even though I like sometimes to play when it is hot. If it is too much, it becomes dangerous for the health.
“I would not like to see retirements here. I’m going to practise indoors tomorrow.”
Grigor Dimitrov was taken to five sets before seeing off American qualifier Mackenzie Mcdonald in a 4-6 6-2 6-4 0-6 8-6 victory.