Monday 5 September 2016 10:20, UK
Kyle Edmund will leave New York with plenty of positive thoughts about his future despite his emphatic defeat by Novak Djokovic in the fourth round of the US Open.
The 21-year-old Briton was outclassed 6-2 6-1 6-4 by the world No 1 but remained upbeat after enjoying a tournament that saw him knock out Richard Gasquet and John Isner, ranked 15th and 21st respectively.
Edmund also eased past in-form American Ernesto Escobedo in straight sets on his way to reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career.
"It's given me a lot more belief in my game," Edmund said. "Not that I didn't believe in my game but it's nice to actually do it on a big stage against some good players, two top-20 players and a guy that was playing well.
"So three good wins there that I managed - different styles, different games. It's nice to know you can come out and adapt to situations.
"I'm getting better and better each time at that. And to win three best-of-five sets, I've never done that in my career."
Extending his run against Djokovic was always going to be a formidable task but, in front of a packed-out 23,700 crowd, the British No 4 looked overawed and struggled to show his best.
"I think it's exciting nerves," Edmund said. "It's a little bit of an unknown as well because I've never played a match on that court in front of that crowd, so it's a new experience for me.
"So, yeah, you're just anxious because you want to go out there and experience it. That's what I was looking forward to.
"Also the challenge of playing world No 1, you know it's going to be tough when you go out there."
Nevertheless, Edmund is set to reach the edge of the top 50 on the back of his results in New York and he carries great momentum into Britain's Davis Cup semi-final against Argentina later this month.
Djokovic had met the Yorkshireman in Miami earlier this year and he also felt his opponent had struggled to do his talent justice.
"I think he was overwhelmed by the stage today," Djokovic said. "I think he hasn't played on the level that he can to be honest but his forehand is really big.
"When he sets it up very nicely, he can hit a very good forehand from all over the court.
"He beat Gasquet, he beat Isner. For someone his age he's showing mental maturity, no doubt. He's getting things together. I am sure we going to see more of him in the future."
