Some habits die hard, even at Wimbledon where traditions reign supreme. That includes the loyal home fans who are eager to cheer on their local players.
That’s why when current UK No. 1 Kyle Edmund heard shouts of “Come on Andy! during his first round match, he shouldn’t have been surprised. After all, former two-time champion Andy Murray is a crowd favorite even though he’s not playing this year.
Edmund won his opening round match against Australian qualifier Alex Bolt 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 on Tuesday. It was only Edmund’s second career win at Wimbledon as he hope to make a good showing this year.
Edmund, who recently took over as UK’s top male player, is still getting used to having more attention placed on him during his home major.
"Regardless of how many Brits are there or if Andy is around, there's probably been a bit more attention. I've had heaps more off-court stuff to do, from my point of view anyway,” the 21st seeded Edmund said. “Tough to say if it was because of Andy not being here or other Brits. I've just had that in general, so...Yeah, I mean, it's just all part and parcel of professional sport, going up the rankings that happens.”
Now ranked No. 17 in the world, Edmund is looking for more Grand Slam success. Especially after reaching the Australian Open semifinals at the start of the year.
Murray just returned to competitive tennis only a few weeks ago after missing almost a year due to a hip injury, the same injury that Murray decided was not healed enough to allow him to play at Wimbledon. Edmund defeated Murray at Queen’s Club in Murray’s most recent match.
Edmund is now getting more used to being well known and recognized, especially in Great Britain.
“It does happen a little bit more. I mean, it's not like I'm a big deal or anything like that. A few more selfies, autographs, especially around this time of year, around the grass court season.”
Edmund will next face American Bradley Klahn in the next round.