Injured Edmund loses in first round
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| Venue: Melbourne Park Dates: 18-31 January |
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Britain’s Kyle Edmund was hampered by cramp as he lost in five sets to world number 81 Damir Dzumhur in the first round of the Australian Open.
Edmund, 21, twice led by a set in hot conditions but the problem with his left leg helped Dzumhur fight back for a 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-3 6-1 win.
“I’m disappointed obviously because it’s not my tennis that’s let me down, it’s my body,” Edmund said.
Heather Watson is in action later on Monday, taking on Timea Babos.
Edmund’s frustrating injury problems
The British number three called the trainer after the seventh game in the third set.
He managed to serve out for a 2-1 lead, but was no match for the Bosnian in the final sets as his injury continued to hinder him.
Edmund, wincing and clutching his thigh, gave away five break points at 1-1 in the decider before succumbing and handing his opponent the decisive advantage.
The 21-year-old struggled to make it to the baseline to serve his final game, and a backhand into the net confirmed defeat in three hours and 12 minutes.
“You can’t play full out because you lose confidence in your movement and when you do move you start to cramp up again,”
“It was the same situation I felt in Davis Cup where I couldn’t do anything.
“To beat these guys you have to be 100%. You can’t play with your body cramping. It’s frustrating.”
What about the other British players?
British number one Andy Murray begins his campaign against German teenager Alexander Zverev on Tuesday.
His match will be the second of the day on the Margaret Court Arena (01:00 approx).
British number one woman Johanna Konta takes on Venus Williams in the second match on Rod Laver Arena (01:00 approx).
Dan Evans is also second on Court 13 for his match against Spain’s Feliciano Lopez and is followed on court by Aljaz Bedene, who faces American Steve Johnson.