2018 REPORT CARD: Kyle Edmund made strides but maybe missed out on leaps

Kyle Edmund was a genuine breakout tennis star of 2018, but was he capable of achieving even more? We take a look at his report card.
Grand Slams
Edmund started the season in sparkling form, powering his way to the Australian Open semi-finals.
Marin Cilic ended his hopes of reaching the final, but it was still a great performance.
Sadly, though, Edmund was unable to come even close to repeating that in the other Slams.
The biggest disappointment will have unquestionably been at Wimbledon, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in the round of 32.
There is no shame in ever losing to Djokovic, of course, but he’d have had high hopes going into the competition.
He went out at the same stage of the French Open, where Fabio Fognini was too cute for him, and was dumped out of the first round at the US Open.
Other achievements
Edmund won his first tournament in 2018 after claiming the crown in Antwerp
He also reached the final in Marrakesh, and was a semi-finalist in Beijing.
In terms of his Masters’ performance, the quarter finals in Madrid and Shanghai was as good as it got.
Consistency
Edmund finished the season with an overall win-rate of 63% – by far a career high.
He was most consistent on clay, where he won two thirds of his matches.
World ranking
Going by the ratings alone, Edmund’s season has been a complete success.
He went into the year ranked at number 50 in the world and finished at 14.
There likely isn’t a player on the planet who’d not take that kind of progress.
Overall
Edmund has had a great season – a genuine breakthrough season. It cannot be denied.
He has reached his first Grand Slam semi-final, won his first ranking title, and made a huge jump in the world rankings.
The frustration may be that he actually looked capable of a lot more, and there was probably an opportunity to break into the top ten with a stronger overall Grand Slam performance.
Nevertheless, had he been offered this season back at the start, he’d have gleefully taken it.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
EXCLUSIVE: Tommy Haas makes bold prediction over Roger Federer’s future
-
John Isner hits back at ‘arrogant’ Lleyton Hewitt over Australian’s Justin Gimelstob tweet
-
EXCLUSIVE: Tommy Haas on retirement and his upcoming appearance in London
-
Comment: ATP needs to take a hard line with ‘showman’ Justin Gimelstob
-
Tennis betting special: Kyle Edmund 14/1 to win a Grand Slam in 2019
-
Latest
-
Australian Open
Australian Open chief defends Novak Djokovic over quarantine note, saying ‘they were suggestions’
Craig Tiley jumps to Novak Djokovic’s defence.
-
News
Quarantine remains in place for 72 players ahead of Australian Open
Two Covid-19 cases have been deemed viral shedding.
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith recalls sitting next to Judy Murray as her son won Wimbledon
We talk to Leon Smith about his coaching journey.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open tension boiling over as players, pundits, ex-pros, fans involved in social media spats
It’s all kicking off on social media.
-
Australian Open
Roberto Bautista Agut slams quarantine restrictions saying ‘it’s like being in jail, but with WiFi’
“These people have no idea,” says Roberto Bautista Agut.
-
Australian Open
Victoria Azarenka pens thoughtful letter to tennis community urging them to ‘accept, adapt’
Victoria Azarenka calls for calm.
-
Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios brands Novak Djokovic a ‘tool’ following Australian Open quarantine squabble
Nick Kyrgios again unimpressed by Novak Djokovic.
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – Leon Smith reflects on coaching Andy Murray and the role of the inspirational Judy Murray
Leon Smith looks back on his days coaching Andy Murray.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev goes ‘back to his family roots’ as he leaves Roger Federer’s management firm
Alexander Zverev confirms changes to his team.
-
News
Tennis players’ isolation complaints given short shrift by Victorian Premier
A total of 72 players are unable to leave their rooms.