Britain's number one Kyle Edmund yesterday produced a solid display of baseline tennis to over power French number two Richard Gasquet in the Semi Final of the European Open in Antwerp and now faces another Frenchman in the final in a big to win his first ever ATP Title. His last chance to win his Maiden came back in April when he was surprisingly and comprehensively beaten 6-2, 6-2 in the final of the Marrakech ATP Clay 250 by Spanish veteran Pablo Andujar who at the time was 355th in the world rankings. Even Edmund himself must of thought that was virtually his title to loose, even when giving respect to his opponent.
But perhaps that opportunity was a little premature for the 23 year old Brit who has now taken over Murray's spot as British Number 1 with great authority. Since that final in Marrakech Edmund has climbed up another 8 spots from 23rd in the world to 15th solidifying his place as a top 20 player capable of beating players in the top 10 at times. It's only a matter of time before the Yorkshire boy breaks into the worlds top 10 and starts to win regular tour titles.
What a Year for the Heavy Hitter
Edmunds known for his blitzing forehand has recorded some impressive results this year including the following victories against top 20 players:
vs Lucas Pouille (22), Rome ATP, 6-2, 7-6
vs Goffin (12), Madrid ATP, 6-3, 6-3
vs Novak Djokovic (2), Madrid ATP, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3
vs Grigor Dimitrov (9), Australian Open, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
However perhaps his best result to date was yesterday where he took out Richard Gasquet in straight sets, the frenchman has been in good form of late and it would have been all too easy for Edmund to fade away yet again in the late stages of a tournament. This was probably his most mature display of tennis illustrating his step up in both class and mental composure compared to earlier this year.
Where as several of his wins in the Australian Open, Marrakech and Madrid were impressive they felt more like spur of the moment victories from the Brit enjoying a hot streak of form rather than steady accomplished performances. The latter stages of this year have seen Edmund produce polished displays where he has kept his cool and served consistently strong to win games in straight sets. Before he exited the Shanghai Masters to Zverev in the Quarter Finals earlier this month he was yet to drop a set, the same statistic is present here.
Gasquet was overwhelmed at times by Edmund's forehand power but also his aggressive serve where even though at a low 54% on first service, Edmund still managed to reign down an incredible 16 aces in 2 sets. Gasquet tripped up only twice in two sets on serve but that was enough for Edmund to charge forward and seal both sets without giving Gasquet one break point opportunity in the second set. Edmund's 16 aces was backed up by whopping 38 winners to Gasquet's 14.
Can Edmund Produce the Same Performance Against Monfils in the Final?
Edmund will have a different type of opponent in the European Open final. Gael Monfils is a greater defender of the ball and far quicker than Gasquet at covering the court. He can also vary his shot style whilst hitting with a lot of power. He's looked dangerous in Belgium beating opponents like Tsonga and Schwartzman and arguably having the more difficult run to the final due to his current ranking.
Monfils though has not had the best of years, January's ATP Title win in Doha is his only real shining moment. A decent run at Wimbledon where he also beat Gasquet and Sam Querrey is his only other notable run.
Disappointingly Monfils had to retire after one set in the US Open when his wrist popped. He played and won a challenger event before three first round exits in Chengdu, Beijing and Shanghai so he had a rotten hard court season in China. Monfils will be as hungry to win here as Edmund and put his poor year behind him, so this won't be an easy ride for Edmund. Edmund will need to be forceful and composed as he was against Gasquet. For him to win he will need his forehand firing as big as against Gasquet to overcome Monfils defense.
The bookies have Edmund as the slight favourite at 1.70 to Monfils at 2.00. Given the ranking difference between the two (Edmund is more than 20 spots higher than Monfils) you can see the bookmakers are all too aware of the threat of Monfils who has 7 ATP titles to his name. Monfils has never lived up to the reputation or potential many believe he possesses but he still is capable of taking many top opponents out on his day, so must be respected.
I am going for an Edmund Maiden ATP Final win here, possibly in straight sets.
Watch: Highlights of Edmund's Semi Final Win Over Gasquet in the European Open
Comments