US Open 2016: Novak Djokovic beats Kyle Edmund in fourth round
Last updated on .From the section Tennis
| US Open |
|---|
| Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 29 August-11 September |
| Coverage: Live commentary on Radio 5 live sports extra plus live text on the big matches on the BBC Sport website and app. |
Kyle Edmund's run at the US Open came to an end as world number one Novak Djokovic showed he is back to his best with a 6-2 6-1 6-4 fourth-round win.
World number 84 Edmund, 21, defeated two seeds to reach the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the first time.
But the Briton was outclassed from the start by defending champion Djokovic.
Edmund's defeat means Andy Murray is the last Briton left in the singles, while Djokovic goes on to face France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the last eight.
Djokovic showed no signs of being rusty despite only completing six games in the past two rounds because of injuries to Jiri Vesely and Mikhail Youzhny.
The 29-year-old Serb needed treatment during the third set as the trouble he had with his upper arm in the first round flared up again.
But he came through unscathed to ensure his quest for a 13th Grand Slam title and third this year remains on track.
"It feels great to play a full match after a weird couple of days when I didn't have too much tennis," said Djokovic.
"I came out of the blocks with high intensity. It's not easy to do that when you have to wait all day to play.
"I made Kyle work for each point and kept him moving around the court."
Edmund's run to the fourth round included victories over 13th seed Richard Gasquet and 20th seed John Isner.
"It's been a great tournament for me," said Edmund. "There are loads of positives to take from the way I've been playing. I've got a lot of learning to do. That's a really good thing.
"To play the world number one on the biggest tennis court in the world... it doesn't get much better than that."
- Pouille knocks out Nadal in thriller
- Helping young Britons inspires Murray
- GB's Konta loses in last 16
Djokovic asserts his authority
With the start delayed on Arthur Ashe Stadium by Lucas Pouille's stunning win over Rafael Nadal, the players had to wait until 22:00 local time before taking to the court.
Djokovic wasted little time in taking control, chasing down Edmund's best shots and responding with winners of his own.
He wrapped up the first two sets in little over an hour, but Edmund produced some crunching forehands to break Djokovic's serve in the third game of the third set, prompting the top seed to seek a medical timeout.
Edmund levelled the set with a hold of serve to love and he broke Djokovic again to win his third game in a row.
But the Serb broke back immediately and a break to love in the 10th game sealed victory shortly afterwards after an hour and 55 minutes on court.
Analysis
BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller:
"Djokovic started the match as if he was making up for lost time. The champion played a high-quality match, moving Edmund around the court.
"The 21-year-old Edmund frequently let rip with his massive forehand and frequently hit the target, but, with Djokovic on the other side of the net, the ball too often came back.
"Edmund was soundly beaten on the night, but his wins over Richard Gasquet and John Isner have contributed to a stellar week. At the start of this year, he had won only two tour level matches in his entire career."
Comments
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a first round exit in any tourney they entered, can be directly attributed to one source.
Andy Murray. A true inspiration and a wonderful role model for the english kids to follow.
When Edmunds finally win he will owe Murray a big thank you
Ditto for Konta. A genuine major prospect thanks to AM.
Years ago when Murray began his career they insisted he'd never be as good as Henman - he has far exceeded his achievements.
They then claimed he'd never reach a slam final. He's now reached ELEVEN.
They then claimed he'd never won a slam. He's won three and counting.
That is why their comments can't be taken seriously?
on 11 minutes ago
No genuine Brits left in the tournament now, then. Sad.
Come on, Novak, let's see you win the Open!
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How do you define a "genuine Brit"? Is it something to do with where they reside? In which case Murray who has his main residence in England is a "genuine" Brit while Djokovic, born Belgrade resides in Monte Carlo.
P.S. If you want to talk about Brexit or any other political matter head to the BBC News website not BBC Sport where matters like Sport are discussed
"Kyle Edmund could be the new Jeremy Bates."
And you the not so new Master Bates.
the proletariat can enjoy tennis for 6 pound an hour at most local puplic clubs in the UK. rackets can be bought for as little as 10 pound at sportsdirect (other brands are available) and you can buy 12 top range balls for 8 pound. go on son!
on 5 Sept 2016 17:46
Murray commented on the scottish referendum but not the EU referendum, why?
oo00oo
Perhaps because unlike so many posters on this site he doesn't comment on things he knows nothing about or cares nothing about. Simples.
Why change your name from Blues Leg End to "The Protector" ?
"The Used Condom" would be more apt !
Meantime, let's all enjoy the success that Edmund has already had and look forward to many years more entertainment as he rises up through the ranks.
However a note of caution this is the first time they have over achieved lets see them do it on a regular basis before we put them on a pedestal.
I think the Davis cup competition between these 2 pushes them to greater heights due to the competition for places to play along side Murray.
"It's hilarious that the best british player is scottish. You couldn't make it up."
Oh, because it cuts right through your puerile political rhetoric perhaps?
You're truly an ODD troll.
"yay lets all be Kyle Edmund supporters now, the great British bandwagon starts here"
Oh yes, that heinous crime of supporting and enjoying the success of our tennis players, eh?
You've been too busy debating maths and only succeeded in confirming your status as a joyless troll.
"..and now let's destroy Murray...GO NOVAK GO, the best player in the history of tennis!!!!"
Doesn't seem to have the endurance in long matches since January 1st 2016 ...
You have one massive chip on your shoulder.
Nothing wrong with excellence in any field whether the individual is privately educated or otherwise.