Kyle Edmund stuns Novak Djokovic in Madrid, Rafa Nadal powers past Gael Monfils

In his best display since reaching the Australian Open semi-finals in January, Edmund weathered a mid-match resurgence from the Serb to come through 6-3 2-6 6-3 and move to within touching distance of the world's top 20.

The 23-year-old will face David Goffin in the third round and, remarkably, would move above Djokovic in the ATP world rankings with victory.

The result is a massive boost for British tennis after reports circulated late on Tuesday suggesting Andy Murray’s comeback from a hip injury had stalled, while women’s number one Johanna Konta continues to struggle for form after her stellar run to the Wimbledon last four in 2017.

Edmund appeared to be running out of steam in the final set after falling to 0-40 at 2-2, but his first serve hauled him out of trouble as he reeled off five straight points.

Djokovic impressed at points too, showing few signs of the elbow issue that had plagued his last 24 months, but his normally rock-solid defence could not keep Edmund’s punishing attack at bay.

And the pressure told in the ninth game of the decider, when Edmund took his solitary opportunity on his opponent’s serve before seeing out the match with unnerving aplomb.

"It was a great experience to beat Novak, he is a legend of the game," Edmund told Sky Sports. "It's time to try and beat these guys and I was pleased how I managed my game."

Djokovic, who has been hampered by a long-term elbow injury, has not reached the last eight of a tournament since last year's Wimbledon.

He has struggled on his return to clay ahead of the French Open, having suffered early exits in Monte Carlo and Barcelona last month.

"Look, there are obvious things that are not working well for me," the 12-times grand slam champion said.

"But I have to keep working on them and pray that -- and hope that my game will get stronger, get better as definitely as the matches... go the distance."

World number one Rafa Nadal recorded his 20th straight win on clay as he began his quest for a sixth title in Madrid, defeating Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-3 6-1.

Nadal, who received a bye in the opening round, fired 17 winners and went on to lose just one of 13 service points in the second set to seal victory.

The 31-year-old Spaniard has now won 48 consecutive sets on the surface, two sets shy of breaking American John McEnroe's record of 49 straight sets on a single surface in 1984.