Week 32 - Challenger ($100,000) - Aptos, USA (Hard)

James · Satellite level

RE: Week 32 - Challenger ($100,000) - Aptos, USA (Hard)

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

On serve so far with Kyle leading 4-3*.

Had chances on the Nguyen serve but in truth, his game hasn't really clicked into gear yet.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

Kyle eventually bags the first set by 7-5.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

L16: (3) Kyle Edmund WR 109 defeated (Q) Daniel Nguyen (USA) WR 217 by 5 & 3 smile

BeefyDeedz · Pro player

Didn't get to see too much but it looked like there were a few stray shots by both players in the first set. Still, good win for Kyle and a good chance to make the most of a being seeded top-4 in a $100k - a SF would fetch him only ten points less than a $50k F spot, and around $1000 more in prize money.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Agreed Beefy. I've seen Kyle play better, but he got the job done comfortably so we shouldn't complain too much.

Mike C says he will try and get Kyle on air for an interview later, so watch this space.

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

Well done, a win is a win.

TMH · Futures qualifying

BeefyDeedz wrote:
Didn't get to see too much but it looked like there were a few stray shots by both players in the first set. Still, good win for Kyle and a good chance to make the most of a being seeded top-4 in a $100k - a SF would fetch him only ten points less than a $50k F spot, and around $1000 more in prize money.

13, to be pedantic.

Madadman · Masters Series Champion

I know that this getting a bit ahead but 1 more win here could possible see Kyle into the top 100?

Jaggy1876 · Grand Slam Champion

Kyle would need to get to the final to break the top 100 I believe

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Good result for Kyle!

What excites me is that I now expect him to deal with players ranked 140 or worse in two sets even when not playing well.

In contrast, although hopeful Evo would deal with Daniel Nguyen it was optimistic rather than realistic.

Kyle has played well this spring particularly at RG and assuming he's fit he is probably a little under ranked and should be a big threat to any player outside the top 70.

Playing all 4 grand slams main draws would be fantastic progress this year, 3 down one to go. As important is dealing with the physical challenge 5 set tennis brings ie getting consistency in terms of managing his body and learning to peak and maintain form when trying to win through the early rounds of slams.

philwrig · Hall of fame

I think Kyle has found a way to win matches without needing 5th gear, he came through the rounds of the challenger a couple of weeks ago, then massively stepped up his level in the final when he needed to.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

Liam & Sekou have withdrawn from the doubles for some reason, so Darren & Ruben sneak in as lucky losers:

R1: Guilherme Clezar (BRA) & Brydan Klein CR 422 (271+151) vs (LL) Ruben Gonzales (PHI) & Darren Walsh CR 376 (210+166)

On a side note, predictably (IMHO, though it may well be misguided! wink ), the pair who beat Darren & Ruben in the doubles FQR, Copil & Rublev, triumphed earlier in straight sets against the Yanks WCs, Dome & Fruttero...

rich81 · Social player

Regarding his ranking, the best online live resource (IMO) (onedrive.live.com/view.aspx%27ATP%20Rankings%27!G6) says he would be up to 99 in running if he reached the semis. Of course, there would be a host of players who could overtake still (Youzhny with one win, Munoz de la Nava and Taro Daniel with 2, and Struff with 4).

So, even though I don't think him reaching the top 100 is a big deal in the longer term, it would be a lineball outcome if he made the semis here. Of course, his overall upward trend in performance is the more important thing, but would be great to see another Brit make the top 100 this year.

Oakland2002 · All-time great

It's interesting, I have lost interest in Kyles rank for the time being, much more interested in day to day results. If he can dominate this field he is truly ready to step up to 250's and the MD of slams as his staple diet on tour.

That is a big step and a maker of a potential top 50 player who regular eats with success at the ATP 500 table. Ancedotally profiling those ranked around 70-110 there are those on their way through up or down and those who have sat around this level by dipping back regularly to challenger participation. The profiling becomes even more intriguing when you look at clay court specialists, heavy servers etc... ( the etc ... Means I have not tried to analyse any data to back my pontification)

Binghamton opened up nicely, which was fine and Kyle took advantage. Paradoxically I would like to see the seeds stay in this week with a good old punch up at the weekend. Come through that and we are on to worrying about elite challenger success ie US open qualifying. All good stuff to look forward to.