By Ros Satar, in Paris
- Kyle Edmund [16] def. Marton Fucsovics 6-0 6-1 2-6 6-3
- Faces mercurial Fabio Fognini [18] in the third round
PARIS, FRANCE – Kyle Edmund remains the sole British interest in the singles as he progressed to the third round to face No. 18 seed Fabio Fognini.
[table “ADPDTATP” not found /]
Kyle Edmund [16] def. Marton Fucsovics 6-0 6-1 2-6 6-3
In a match of strange score-lines, it was another strong performance by British No. 1 Kyle Edmund. Playing another in-form and fast-rising player in Marton Fucsovics, Edmund was in commanding form at the start, denying Fucsovics a chance to get into the match, and then serving the set out comfortably to love.
However, a meddlesome cut on his finger served as a bit of a distraction while Fucsovics showed the kind of form that took him to the Geneva title, as he delivered a similar score-line, save for one game back to Edmund to draw level.
However, it was not long until Edmund put himself back in the driving seat, breaking early at the start of the third set and again at the end. It just took a single break at the end of the fourth set to reach the third round for the second straight year.
He said: “Started really well. I was always aware that you’re not going to win every game and match. The first game second set was quite key for him, especially serving first, to I guess get on the board and also have that sort of a lead if it’s 1- Love, 1-All, 2-1. So when he broke for 2-Love and 3-Love, obviously changes the way the match went.
“But that’s the way it went, and it’s all about sort of problem-fixing during the match and it was good, I guess, after the second that, what was it, 6-2 and then 6-3 after that. So to close it out after that was nice from my point of view.”
READ MORE | Kyle Edmund | Roland Garros 2018 Full Draw Preview & Prize Money
Kyle Edmund | Roland Garros 2018 Full Draw Preview & Prize Money
Edmund [16] v Fabio Fognini [18] | First meeting
The temperamental Fabio Fognini left quite an impression on a young Edmund, travelling and hitting with the British Davis Cup team in Naples, where Fognini recorded a win over Andy Murray, halting British progress for a year.
The pair have not met, but of course Fognini’s reputation flies before him as Edmund explained:
“It will be a very tough match, for sure. He plays very well on this surface. He’s had some really good results on this surface. He’s obviously beat Rafa, I think, a few times. He knows his way on the clay court.
“I remember sort of watching that match in Naples when he played Andy. So, you know, he’s very good, very smart on the court.
“With me, I try to focus on getting my game out on court first, because that gives me a good chance. And then certain tactics or plays, you know, you look out for when you’re playing the particular opponent, whoever that is.”
What Fognini brings to the table is indeed a fluid sense of ease about his strokes, and for the most part is a clean counter-punching style, deep ground-strokes, a deft touch and an ability to make things look easy.
However, he can be streakier than a plate of bacon on a Sunday Brunch which is tantamount to hitting a self-destruct button. In truth you never know what you are going to get next, without any of the charm of a film-quote from Forrest Gump.
His serve is functional, but is no weapon, which gives Edmund an edge where he employs that hefty one-two punch, and with his improved backhand, he should be able to counter Fognini’s favoured practice of a serve out wide and an off-forehand winner.
This is unlikely to be straight forward, but if Edmund can keep his focus on his side of the net, it is winnable.
Prediction: Edmund in four sets.
[polldaddy poll=10014466]
Main Image: CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Image
Edmund will play next on Saturday, and play will continue at Roland Garros Day Six at 11am (10am BST).
[table “ADExpedia” not found /]
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |