Edmund’s ‘greatest’ sees Gasquet pay price in New York

KYLE EDMUND hailed the greatest win of his career after he stunned 13th seed Richard Gasquet in the first round of the US Open.

Edmund was playing his firstever match in the main draw at Flushing Meadows but it was the 21-year-old who looked the seasoned campaigner, thrashing Gasquet 6-2 6-2 6-3.

He will now face American wildcard Ernesto Escobedo, ranked 201st in the world and who reached round two after his opponent Lukas Lacko retired injured.

Gasquet, a former world No 7 and three-time grand slam semifinalist, has been plagued by a recurring back problem this summer but the 30-year-old insisted afterwards he had not been hampered by injury.

Instead, Edmund was as bold from the baseline as his luminous yellow outfit, reeling off 40 winners to his opponent’s 13, with his booming forehand particularly destructive.

Edmund’s previous best victory, in terms of rankings at least, came at Queen’s in June against then-world No 18 Gilles Simon but Gasquet, placed three spots higher, is a bigger scalp both in terms of scale and stage.

“I played really well. On ranking I think, yeah, it’s probably my best win,” said Edmund.

“And the way I went about it, the way I played, a lot of things went well. It’s definitely one of the best wins in my career.

“It’s very pleasing and very encouraging the way I played, the way I handled myself and dealt with situations.”

The Briton has struggled for stamina before in extreme heat but has developed physically this year and, in temperatures of 32 degrees on Court Five, showed no signs of letting up.

Edmund also took great confidence from leading Britain, without Andy Murray, to a Davis Cup quarter-final victory over Serbia in July, but this was only his third win in 20 career matches against top 50 opponents.

“It gives you more belief, absolutely,” said Edmund.

“I had a good summer. I beat some good players, I beat Simon and then had a good experience against Andy (at Queen’s).

“Those matches against top players give you more experience, more confidence with your game.

“Especially the way I play my game, it is very much on the offensive, wanting to take it to the opponent so I have to be expressive. I have to express myself and that’s the way I play.”