Kyle Edmund wants to prove John McEnroe and Pat Cash right — by breaking into world top 10

KYLE EDMUND believes he can live up to the expectations of John McEnroe and Pat Cash.

Both tennis legends are tipping Edmund to crack the world’s top 10 sooner rather than later — and today’s French Open third-round clash with Fabio Fognini will be another big test of his credentials.

Reuters

After hearing praise from McEnroe, the British No 1 said: “For someone to say that is great but I have to make it happen. I believe I can.

“I have good confidence in my game, the way I played against guys that are ranked at the top.

“Grigor Dimitrov and Alexander Zverev were three in the world when I played them. I’ve played the No 1 in the world —  Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal.

“I’m still pretty young at 23 but top ten is  a goal, it has to be.”

AFP or licensors

AFP or licensors

AP:Associated Press

Edmund made his  Grand Slam breakthrough by reaching the semi-finals at this year’s Australian Open.

But he knows that beating world No 18 Fognini to reach the second week of Roland Garros for the first time would be another big statement.

American tennis Jon McEnroe is a big fan of the Brit

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After his second-round win, world No 17 Edmund had some cryotherapy treatment — a hi-tech alternative to an ice bath. It underlines the contrast between cool Edmund and fiery Fognini.

Edmund said: “It would definitely be a nice win. It’s going to be a big test for me. I’ve never played him before.

“Playing a good clay-court player at the French Open, the clay Grand Slam, is where you want to be. He’s a seasoned pro,  knows what he is doing.

“It’s one of those matches where it’s a really good test to see where you are at.”

EPA

Edmund has already come a long way since 2014 when he practised with Andy Murray ahead of the Davis Cup quarter-final against Italy in Naples, a tie which turned on Fognini’s  win over Murray on a dodgy court.

British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith said: “Even then you could see Kyle’s game was really suited to clay. His forehand was a weapon back then, it’s grown to be an absolute super-strength.

“But he’s building more into his game. He is using some angles, some higher balls, his slice has improved a lot.

“He’s a big guy and if he serves well then he is going to get the first strike on his forehand and then he can start to dominate play.

“You’ve seen him grow in confidence — and he will have that sense of belonging to this stage now. And that’s exciting.”