It was down to the doubles to try and steal an edge.
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The 21-year-old was given the responsibility of being Britain’s No1 player in only his second Davis Cup tie after Andy Murray pulled out.
Great Britain wrapped up the match in the fourth, winning 6-4 in the final set, but the Serbs held on until the end.
It would be a surprise if his coming-of-age weekend did not have a positive impact, with Edmund saying: “These matches give you confidence”.
Argentina also obtained a slim advantage over Italy in the doubles in Pesaro, Italy, as Juan Martin del Potro and Guido Pella defeated Marco Cecchinato and Paolo Lorenzi, 6-1, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 3-6, 6-4.
Indeed that was the state of play in all four quarter-finals.
‘I thought he played great in both of the matches.
Elsewhere, France – featuring Wimbledon doubles champions Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut, as well as singles quarter-finalists Lucas Pouille and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – lead the Czech Republic 2-1.
Again it would be the doubles that proved so compelling and important.
Edmund piled on the pressure again, finally breaking through on his third try in the game for a 4-3 lead – a pattern which sounded familiar. Neither of the dead rubbers were played out in those ties.
Cilic cruised past John Isner 7-6 (11-9) 6-3 6-4 before 19-year-old Borna Coric beat Jack Sock 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4.
Lajovic played his part in the contest but, just as it appeared he was about to claim the third set, world No 67 Edmund hit back to secure one of the most important wins of his career.
Ward was a late inclusion in the British squad after replacing Andy Murray but he lost in one hour and 52 minutes against a player ranked 159 places above him, at 81st in the world. His forehand is so huge, such a great shot.
Lajovic broke serve in the opening game and that set the tone for the match. The only hiccup came when Edmund was serving for the match in the third set.
The Briton’s first serve deserted him and Lajovic broke for the first time.
Edmund’s achievement should not be underestimated, especially playing away from home.
World number 40 Delbonis, who defeated Andreas Seppi in four sets in the opening rubber, recorded two singles victories in one tie for the first time in the Davis Cup.
If Britain progress they will face Argentina at home in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup in September.
“I will look to improve and take this experience and enjoy it”.
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“It’s impossible to say how far but the way that he plays on this surface – Lajovic has played in the fourth round of the French Open, and Kyle dominated that entire match, and he’s only going to get better, so on this surface in particular he’ll have some great events in the next 10 or 15 years and that’s really exciting”. “When you know what is at stake – I’m so pleased that I’ve won”, said Edmund.
