Kyle Edmund on confidence-boosting title win, messages from Andy Murray and co

Now that he has his first ATP Tour title under his belt, Kyle Edmund hopes it will give him “confidence for the future”.
The British No 1 ended his wait for a maiden singles trophy on Sunday when he came from a set down to beat Gael Monfils in the European Open final in Antwerp.
Having lost in the Grand Prix Hassan II final in Morocco in March, Edmund was delighted to finally make the breakthrough, and he hopes it is a sign of things to come.
“Even if I hadn’t won the match on Sunday it still would have been a good year with my ranking and other results, particularly the big one in Australia,” he told Sky Sports in an interview.
“It was just more of a goal that I have had through the year. You always want to get that first professional title under your belt.
“It was never like I had this sense of waiting – it has happened and I have now got that winning feeling. It just gives you that confidence for the future, knowing that you can win titles on Tour level.”
Andy Murray was the last British player to make that title breakthrough when he won the San Jose Open in 2006, and naturally the three-time Grand Slam winner and others were quick to congratulate Edmund.
“[Andy] has sent me a message just saying well done and it is always a great feeling to win your first title,” he said.
“It was pretty similar to what a lot of people have been saying to me. I have had quite a few messages come through. His brother [Jamie] did. Tim [Henman] and Greg [Rusedski] did so it has been great to get that from the fellow British guys.
“You could say they are legends of the British game so it was really nice they recognised my success and want to congratulate me on that.”
Edmund is up to a career-best No 14 in the rankings and is playing in the Vienna Open this week and the Paris Masters next week. Depending on results over the next two weeks, he could yet qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals.
“In terms of last week I haven’t been thinking about it because it was just a case of knowing I had a great opportunity to when playing well to win my first title,” he said.
“Rather than thinking I was playing for The O2 I was playing because I wanted to win the tournament. I know I am there or there about.
“Even if I did really think about it, the best way to go about it would be one match at a time. That would be the sensible way to do and that is how I have been going about my tennis – not looking too far ahead of myself.
“I know I am going to have to win some matches, maybe a tournament this week or next [the Paris Masters].”
More from Tennis365:
ATP and WTA betting preview: Erratic Roger Federer looks vulnerable on home soil
Kyle Edmund’s maiden win, how does it compare to five of Britain’s best?
Tennis Today: Roger Federer buys a 60s autobus and Venus Williams cheers up sister Serena
Who will win the 2018 WTA Finals? Naomi Osaka? Caroline Wozniacki? Angelique Kerber?
Wimbledon confirms drastic final-set rule change after marathon matches
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu signs up for inaugural WTA 250 event in Texas
Emma Raducanu off to Texas in February.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic like the battle of Spain against Serbia, says Goran Ivanisevic
Who are you backing to finish top in the race for most Grand Slams?
-
News
Novak Djokovic joins Serena Williams at summit of Slams after 30 club
Serena Williams also won 10 majors after turning 30.
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray pulls out of Rotterdam Open after Australian Open exertions
Andy Murray will not take part in the Rotterdam Open in 2023.
-
Grand Slam
GOAT race is an obsession for Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic won’t stop until he is the GOAT!
-
WTA Tour
WTA Tour: What to look forward to in February 2023
The middle-east swing dominates the February schedule for the WTA Tour.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic’s comments suggest his retirement may be closer than expected
Novak Djokovic’s family may hold the key to how much longer he continues to play at the highest level.
-
Tennis News
John McEnroe calls for Russian players to return to Wimbledon after latest twists
It now seems inevitable that Wimbledon and the LTA will be forced to allow Russian and Belarusian players to play at Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz salute Novak Djokovic after latest feat
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz salute Novak Djokovic.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam race: Who’s in better shape? What happens next?
Djokovic and Nadal both have 22 Grand Slam singles titles.