Delray Beach, FL — On Monday, Kyle Edmund won his Delray Beach opener over Adrian Mannarino in dominating fashion, 6-3, 6-0. The 22-year-old is looking pretty good this week, sitting just nine spots shy of his career-high ranking of No. 40.
He cites the fourth round of the US Open and helping Great Britain top Serbia in Davis Cup as his highlights of 2016, his first year playing predominately on the ATP tour. With his rise, there's been an increase in attention and recognition.
"It's definitely picked up a little bit," Edmund told Baseline. "Before, [getting recognized] was always something to do with tennis, like at a tennis club. I think now its more just the general public. Even around London, I occasionally get someone coming up to me ... I guess it's not a bad thing. It's definitely a good thing."
As the Brit climbs up the rankings, gaining fans and fame along the way, why not get to know him just a little bit better with a game of "Would You Rather?"
Would you rather be No. 1 and never win a major or win a major and never be No. 1?
I'd rather win a major and never be No. 1.
Would you rather reach your career-high ranking this year or win an ATP title?
I think win an ATP title, and hopefully I get my career high down the line.
Would you rather beat Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal?
I don't know. I guess they're both wins that you'd remember. I guess Roger just because he's won the most.
Would you rather have the aisle or window seat on a long flight (assuming you're not in first class)?
If it was overnight, I like to be by the window so people don't wake me up if they want to go to the toilet. But if it's during the day, then probably aisle. When you're getting sleep—which is very rare on a flight—and you finally do sleep, and you get a nudge, you're like, 'Go away.'
Would you rather have more followers on Twitter or likes on Instagram?
Followers on Twitter.
Would you rather meet your childhood hero or be someone's childhood hero?
They both have their advantages, don't they? It's nice to be someone's hero—you're able to make someone happy. That's a tough one. I'll be selfish and say meet my childhood hero.
I'd want to meet some Formula One people that I really enjoy. It's weird—when I was younger, I always looked up to tennis players, but now you mix in with them, so they're almost your colleagues. It's a little bit weird, but you get used to it.
I've always liked Tom Hardy. I always find him really good to watch, so I wouldn't mind meeting him one day.
They're not heroes exactly; just people you're really intrigued by.
Edmund's affinity for car racing is no big secret, but his passion for it runs deep. He's even said that it would be his dream job were it not for the successful tennis career he's currently grooming.
"If I could be a Formula One driver, that would be incredible," he said. "But it's not going to happen."