Fit-again Kyle Edmund: I feel I’m ready to make the next step

ATP Tour
Kyle Edmund fist pump

Kyle Edmund ticked quite a few things off this to-do list in 2018, but he hopes to achieve bigger and better things in the next few years.

Edmund started the year as No 50, but by the end of January he had reached a career-high 26 after reaching his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open.

By March he was British No 1 as he replaced the injured Andy Murray and the following month he reached his maiden ATP Tour singles final, losing against Pablo Andujar in Marrakesh.

He also won his maiden doubles title in May when he teamed up with fellow Brit Cameron Norrie at the Estoril Open while he also reached a couple of ATP Masters 1000 quarter-finals for the first time.

However, there was one standout moment for the 23-year-old and he hopes that will help him to step up in 2019.

“My best memory of the year?” he told Telegraph Sport. “That’s easy. Winning my first ATP title in Antwerp and beating a hero of mine – Gael Monfils – in the final, which went to a tie-break in the deciding set.

“I will hold that memory forever and it was an emotional moment both for me and the rest of my team. I worked so hard to get that trophy and it’s given me a massive boost for the future. The whole year was special and meant a lot to me. Now I feel I’m really ready to make the next step.”

Edmund finished the year as the world No 14, but in between all the highs were also a couple of lows as injury and illness forced him to miss several weeks at several stages of the season.

He was forced to end his campaign early not only due to a knee injury but also to remove his tonsils.

“It had to be done,” he said. “Sadly many people go through it, which isn’t pleasant. But I’m glad it’s all done and dusted now and I’m all fit and ready for 2019.

“I can prepare for the new season ahead, even if it’s a shame I started a little later due to the tonsils and that the off-season is so short. But it’s the same for everyone and I’m satisfied about my preparations so far.”

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