US Open: Britain's Kyle Edmund reaches first Slam third round to add to ace year

Briton, who has had a breakthrough 2016, wins in straight sets

Kyle Edmund crashes a trademark forehand on his way to victory (Getty)

Britain's Kyle Edmund has reached a Grand Slam third round for the first time in his career after beating American wildcard Ernesto Escobedo at the US Open.

Edmund recorded a shock opening win over World No 15 Richard Gasquet on Monday and followed it up with an equally convincing 7-5, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Escobedo. He will now play either 20th seed John Isner, to whom he lost at the French Open earlier this year, or Belgium's Steve Darcis.

Edmund has for a while appeared a rising star of British tennis but 2016 has become a breakthrough year for the 21-year-old. Ranked 84th in the world, he led Britain to a quarter-final win over Serbia in July, in the absence of Andy Murray, and now has his best performance at a major tournament too.

The youngster from Yorkshire is due to rise inside the top 70 on the back of this run and while there promises to be a far sterner test awaiting in round three, he will take confidence from another bold display on Court 13. Edmund hit 54 winners, 28 off his blistering forehand, and showed greater maturity than his opponent, particularly in the crucial moments.

Britain's Kyle Edmund enjoys victory in New York (Getty)

Escobedo was the beneficiary of a retirement in his first-round encounter, and was playing in his first Grand Slam, but the 20-year-old is also on an upward curve after beating three top 100 players this year.

The American started nervously, with a double fault, but soon found his rhythm as both players exchanged a break midway through the opening set. Edmund had to save a set point when serving at 5-4 and then struck himself the next game after landing a superb backhand lob.

The Briton served out the set with ease and carried his momentum into the second, as he opened up six break points in three games. All of them, however, were saved and it was not until 4-4 that Escobedo finally cracked when a string pinged following a mis-hit, and Edmund pounced to break and move two sets clear.

Both players had opportunities to break early in the third but again it was Edmund who was ruthless, breaking at 4-4 and then sealing victory with a trademark forehand winner after two hours and 25 minutes.