Edmund prevails in marathon Melbourne qualifier

Beverley’s Kyle Edmund produced a superb battling performance on Saturday to secure his debut in the main draw of the Australian Open.
Beverley's Kyle Edmund (Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire).Beverley's Kyle Edmund (Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire).
Beverley's Kyle Edmund (Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire).

Edmund, 20, came from a set down against local favourite Dane Propoggia to win 6-7 (3/7) 6-4 9-7, but compatriot Liam Broady fell at the final hurdle as he lost in straight sets to American Michael Russell.

British No 3 Edmund joins James Ward and Andy Murray in the tournament proper and faces American Steve Johnson – the world No 39 – tomorrow.

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Edmund, who is ranked 192nd in the world, took until midway through the second set to force a break point against Propoggia, who was playing far better than his ranking of 323 would suggest.

But after breaking in the 10th game to claim the set, the 20-year-old from Yorkshire broke again in the decider and served for the match at 5-3, only to lose his serve and allow Propoggia back into the contest.

Edmund still had the advantage of serving first, however, and recovered his composure to break again and seal victory in two hours and 23 minutes.

“It is good confidence coming through grand slam ‘qualies’, you have earned your right to get into a grand slam which is a great feeling and gives you confidence going into the upcoming tournaments,” said Edmund, who trained with Murray for the second winter running.

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“Working with Andy in 2013 it was obviously a higher standard, so I was having to work really hard to win points. When I went back and played with him I felt a lot more comfortable. I felt the improvement.”

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