Yesterday, Yorkshireman Kyle Edmund’s incredible journey in the Australian Open finally ended. His defeat came at the hands of Marin Čilić in a three set semi-final match that ended 6-2, 7-6, 6-2.

Čilić dominated for the majority of the match with his serve winning easy points and his powerful forehands putting Edmund under consistent pressure. This led to Edmund struggling for break points during the match, managing only two near the start of the match. A medical timeout by the Briton seemed to improve things, leading to a tie break in the second set. Although he stayed in touch at 3-3, the Croat eventually took the tie break 7-4. The final set was a repeat of the first, with Čilić sealing his victory with a wide serve that Edmund could not get back over the net.

Edmund has much to proud of in this tournament, such as defeating 11th seed Kevin Anderson in the first round, but his finest moment was undoubtedly when he stunned the world of tennis by beating world No.3 Grigor Dmitrov in the quarter finals. By beating Dmitrov he avenged his earlier loss in the Brisbane International, which he narrowly lost in a three set match. However this time, in a steely performance, Edmunds showed few nerves as he battled his way to a 6-4 3-6 6-4 6-4 win in his first outing at the last-eight of a Grand Slam.

Edmund’s appearance in the semis made him only the sixth British man – alongside Murray, Rusedski, Lloyd, Henman and Taylor – to reach the last-four at a Grand Slam event. Quite an achievement for the world number 49 who has never won a tournament on the ATP Tour.

“It’s great,” disclosed Edmund on the matter. “You don’t think of those things when you play but it’s something to be proud of.

“As a kid you’re growing up looking at your idols and when you’re here progressing in the best tournament in the world, it’s amazing.”

Regardless of his defeat, British tennis fans have been enthralled by Edmund’s amazing performance at this year’s Australian Open. His change in ranking will reflect that as well, with his current ranking of 49 being certain to increase into the mid 20s next week. Progression into the finals would have even seen him dethrone Murray as the British No.1 since the Scot is currently recovering from hip surgery and is expected to make his return around June.

Most people had very few expectations after Andy Murray pulled out of the tournament with a knee injury. However, Edmund’s success gives further hope for British fans, showing there is a future after Murray leaves the game for good.

By Elliot van Barthold and Ryan Wan