Beautifully constructed tiebreak from Kyle to win.
Pouilles tactics certainly played into Kyles hands. He didnt rush him like Shapovalov, so Kyle had acres of time to put together some lovely points, finding some great angles.
Kyle became more aggressive again in that TB. He had been a bit too passive in the rest of the 2nd set although to be fair, Pouille played so much better and forced Kyle more onto the back foot.
Great to come through though. When they played in DC, I thought Pouille controlled most of the match but Kyle was able to reverse that trend this evening.
L32: Kyle Edmund WR 19 defeated (16) Lucas Pouille (FRA) WR 16 by 6-2 7-6(3)
Looks like Zverev (A) in the last 16. I think that win means that Kyle could be seeded in the top 16 at RG...
Still several that could displace him SC but if Rafa wins the title here, Kyle's top 16 ranking is assured. More in depth analysis in Kyle's personal thread.
It remains a "could be seeded" in the top 16 though he has made it a bit more likely. For now he remains live ranked 17 so effectively 16 for seeding purposes with Fed absent. But there are quite a number who can overtake him *
Looking up, he is now one win from overtaking Pouille and 2 wins from overtaking another 4 - Schwartzman, Querrey, Bautista Agut and Sock, all of whom are out.
Zverev though closing in on a victory that would set Kyle a tough task in the next round.
* as Bob says and has listed in Kyle's thread.
-- Edited by indiana on Wednesday 16th of May 2018 08:43:24 PM
Zverev is on fire at the moment but in a strange way, I think Kyle game style matches up better against Zverev than it does against say Shapovalov. Zverev big favourite but an upset by no means out of the question.
Edmund needs a dull day, a heavy court with lots of water on the clay and he might just do it. I once saw a 19 year old Volandri (who couldn't serve himself) completely befuddle Goran Ivanisevic on the Campo Centrale here over 5 sets in Davis Cup. The ground staff had worked wonders; they had the court like a bog. I expect they can be suitably persuaded.
I agree, perfect conditions here in Rome for Kyle. It is very refreshing to see the younger players coming through. A massive opportunity for this cohort of players just turned 23 or younger to get a foothold in the top 10. Zevrev already the guy to best, if Kyle can maintain the form he showed in the first set and calm he showed in managing the second set it could be a very decent game.