By Jake Davies
- Kyle Edmund def. Hyeon Chung 7-6 (3) 5-7 6-4
- Kyle Edmund vs Grigor Dimitrov [1]
- Edmund’s stellar preparation going into Melbourne rolls on
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – Kyle Edmund survived a slight wobble to beat Hyeon Chung in another gruelling match at the Brisbane International.
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Kyle Edmund defeats Hyeon Chung 7-6 (3) 5-7 6-4
Kyle Edmund dominated most of the points through his first serve delivery as he won a total of 82% of the point when that first serve found its target. That particular weapon was an almighty shot in the first set, where he ended up winning the set in a tiebreak.
The British No.2 had the opportunity to put the match out of sight in the second set, where he held a *3-1 lead and had a break point to go up a double break, but Hyeon Chung punished him for not taking his chances and eventually fought back to take the match into a final set.
Edmund only required the single break of serve and three match points to seal the deal in the deciding set and despite the slight slump in the second set, Edmund will be buoyed by the fact that he has come through another tough battle against a very good opponent in Chung.
He has let similar matches like this slip through his fingertips in the past, so to solve the puzzle that was put in front of him and to find a way to come out on the winning side, Edmund and his coaching team must be delighted with the Brisbane progress this week.
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Kyle Edmund vs Grigor Dimitrov [1] H2H: Dimitrov leads 1-0
Grigor Dimitrov survived his first match of the season, saving two match points and outlasting John Millman, and will play Edmund in the quarter-final.
The defending champion made a lot of sloppy mistakes particularly in the first set against Millman, but found a better level of tennis as the match progressed. The one-handed backhand looked suspect and he honestly looked very rusty. Other areas where Dimitrov will be seeking a vast improvement is the first serve percentage and getting that security around the second serve when needed.
I think the key for Edmund is to focus on the things he can control and the parts of his game that contributes to him playing his best tennis. I think if he focuses too much on the elite player he is up against he can move too far away from his own strengths and what he can do to hurt his opponent.
Dimitrov has the edge in terms of physicality, but Edmund has to make the most of the match-wins he has gained this week and also the fact that he’s deep into his Australian Open preparation, whereas Dimitrov is still regaining his rhythm after a month away from the game.
With Andy Murray announcing his withdrawal from the upcoming Australian Open, many British tennis fans will be hoping for some big results for Edmund in the first Grand Slam of the season.
MORE: Murray withdraws from Australian Open, Konta retires in Brisbane quarter-final
Prediction: Dimitrov in three sets
Edmund and Dimitrov are scheduled on Pat Rafter Arena not before 7pm (9am GMT)
Main Image: Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images
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