Kyle Edmund among British trio in US Open action
Thursday 4 January 2018 10:52, UK
Kyle Edmund, Cameron Norrie and Aljaz Bedene will aim to maintain British interest in the singles on a bumper day of play at the US Open.
Bedene, who will meet Andrey Rublev second on Court 8 in a delayed first-round encounter, was one of a number of players affected by Tuesday's heavy rain which forced an early cancellation of play on the outside courts at Flushing Meadows. Only three matches were completed on the uncovered courts prior to the organisers' decision.
Edmund and Norrie, already through to the second round in New York, are on Wednesday's schedule which includes 87 singles matches.
Edmund and qualifier Norrie were part of a mixed opening day for Britain, which was notable for Johanna Konta's surprise early exit and Heather Watson's failure to reach the second round at Flushing Meadows for the seventh year running.
The British No 2 will meet America's Steve Johnson, who he beat last week at the Winston-Salem Open, in the fifth match on Louis Armstrong Stadium and comes into the final Grand Slam of the year with plenty of match practice after winning seven matches on his run to the semi-finals.
"I played him last week so we obviously know each other's game style pretty well," said Edmund, ranked world No 42.
"He's got a big first serve, big forehand. The backhand he doesn't hit as well as his forehand because he slices it.
"I'm playing well, I've played a lot of matches, I'm in a good place. I'll just go out there and do my best. Once I'm out there I'll figure it out the best I can."
Norrie, the British No 5, has already secured himself a spot inside the world's top 200 when the rankings are next released courtesy of his run through the qualifying and first-round success.
The 22-year-old will next meet Spanish 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta fifth on Court 6 and believes he stands a good chance of continuing his run in New York.
"I actually like it (the matchup). He's going to give me some rhythm, he's not going to serve me off the court. I can play my own game and feel comfortable.
"Obviously he's a great player and it's going to be really tough but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
