Madrid
Edmund arrived in the Spanish capital on the back of a maiden doubles title on the ATP circuit alongside Cameron Norrie, and maintained his upturn in results with a 6-3 2-6 6-3 victory in one hour and 42 minutes.
The 23-year-old started the campaign in fine form with a run to the Australian Open semi-finals, although injury and a loss of confidence hindered his progress, but a return to the clay — his favoured surface — has resulted in encouraging strides.
“It was a great experience to obviously beat Novak. I have lost to him three times and he is a legend of the game,” Edmund said. “When it’s your first match to share the court it is an experience but now, especially after reaching the semis of the Australian Open, it is time to try and beat these guys.
“I was very pleased today, it was my first time on that court, with how I managed my game — especially in that third set.”
Edmund broke the 12time Grand Slam winner’s serve in the opening game of the match, only for Djokovic to hit back immediately, but a third break in the fifth game of the contest saw the Brit regain the initiative. He held on to his advantage and closed out the opening set with his third break, as Djokovic struggled.
Djokovic began the second set in determined fashion to break Edmund’s opening service game and edged further ahead with a second break in the seventh game, before closing out to force a decider.
Edmund was forced to show great resolve and reel off three break-point opportunities to hold serve in the fifth game of the third set as Djokovic looked to increase the pressure on the world No 22. The Brit made the most of a break point in the eighth game before emphatically serving for victory and a meeting with David Goffin.
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