Kyle Edmund is fully prepared for a new and unique experience when he plays at Wimbledon as the British number one for the first time next week.
The 23-year-old from Tickton replaced Andy Murray as the top tennis player in Britain at the beginning of March, as the Scot continues his comeback from a hip operation.
Edmund enjoyed a remarkable run to the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January and sits inside the world’s top 20 ahead of the third Grand Slam of the year.
He reached the third round at last month’s French Open and is ready for the extra attention entering the All England Club as the headline act will bring when he squares off against Australia’s Alex Bolt in the first round at SW19.
“It’s very exciting to be coming to Wimbledon as the British number one, for sure there will be more expectation, more people interested, more attention than before,” he said.
“I’m trying to enjoy it as much as I can, when you’re out there playing you want to be doing well but I’ve always approached things as I’ll do my best and whatever happens, happens.
“I’ll prepare as best I can, don’t leave any stones unturned and as long as I give myself the best chance, I’ll do the best I can.
“Wimbledon is the biggest tournament in the world and, as I see it, the home of tennis.
“When you go there, as any player, you do feel a presence when you’re at Wimbledon, it’s such an historic environment and a special place.
“To go there as a Brit, and as British number one, it’ll be a unique feeling, something that’ll be a good experience. I’m looking forward to it and just going out there, being free and playing.”
Edmund was speaking at The Jaguar Championships, a mixed doubles event now in its third year, as part of Jaguar’s partnership with David Lloyd Clubs.
The competition saw 1,668 players from 417 teams compete with the 2018 Jaguar Championships taking place at David Lloyd Royal Berkshire on June 9 and 10.
Tickton’s Edmund has been a pro since 2012 but is yet to lift a tour title – a final appearance in Marrakesh in April is the closest he has come.
But the 23-year-old is confident he’s making the necessary improvements to ensure his first tour trophy is not far away as the 2018 grass-court season reaches its apex.
“I’m definitely close to winning a tour event, at the start of the year that was one of my goals to win a tour event,” he added.
“I got to my first final in Marrakesh but unfortunately it didn’t happen so I know I’m close but being close doesn’t mean anything, I’ve got to make it happen you have to take that final step to doing it.
“I’m working to do that, so hopefully it comes at some point – the good thing is my game is improving, I can see improvement, I feel improvement and that’s a positive.
“I have a better balance of play this year, I’m managing my game a lot better.
“I have, in my opinion, good skills and tools to work with. I have a lot of shots that are needed, it’s learning how to play with them better, when to use them and how to use them.”
Kyle Edmund was speaking at The Jaguar Championships as part of Jaguar’s partnership with David Lloyd Clubs. Visit http://www.jaguar.co.uk/jaguar-range/f-pace/index.html to find out more about the F-PACE, the Official Car of The Championships, Wimbledon
