Kyle Edmund weighs up if clay will work in his favour against Novak Djokovic

Kyle Edmund is looking forward to testing himself against Novak Djokovic on clay, having only ever faced the 12-time Grand Slam champion on a hard court in the past.

The Brit booked his spot in the second round of the Madrid Open by beating Russias Daniil Medvedev 6-4 6-0 and was rewarded with a fourth meeting against the two-time winner.

Edmund has yet to take a set off the Serb, although he is relishing the opportunity to meet him away from his favoured surface.

I mean the time I played him he was probably the best hard court player there was at that time, he said when asked if playing on clay could work in his favour. One of the best hard court players ever in history – a very tough opponent.

Obviously I obviously dont mind hard – I myself had a good start to the year, but clays a different challenge.

AdvertisementAdvertisement

Last time we played in Indian Wells, so over a year and a bit now so Ive had some more experience playing at the top level, on bigger stages so hopefully thatll help me a bit more. But yeah its just a good experience.

Djokovics form has taken a nosedive in recent times but he pulled off a confidence-boosting win over Kei Nishikori in his opening match at the Caja Magica.

And Edmund insists that Djokovic is still capable of performing at the highest level.

I mean, he was winning more matches back then but still the top players they dont just lose it, theyre still very good, he added.

When youre on court with them, theyre still top players, so yeah, I mean he might not be winning as much as he was but still its going to be tough.

He just beat Nishikori, so hes not playing that badly. I dont know how many hes won this – maybe two times.

He obviously knows what its like to win here. Its going to be tough but it will be a good opportunity for me for sure.

More: Tennis

AdvertisementAdvertisement

[contf]
[contfnew]

METRO

[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]