Australian Open 2020: Kyle Edmund refuses to blame sledging for first round defeat to Dusan Lajovic

Kyle Edmund refused to blame the boisterous Serbian support for his first round defeat to Dusan Lajovic at the Australian Open.

The British No 3 went down 7-6 (9-7) 6-3 7-6 (7-4) to the 24th seed, who rallied after a rain delay and appeared to thrive off the loud support from the stands.

Edmund, who made the final four in 2018, but has since succumbed to first round defeats in both visits to Melbourne Park, was told at one point to ”book a flight home” from one of Lajovic’s fans.

But despite the disappointment, the 25-year-old refused to blame the more hostile environment for his defeat.

“Obviously I was aware there was noise but I’m not listening to what they’re saying,” said the world No 65. “New York can be quite loud and the French to be honest.

“Wimbledon is a little bit quieter in terms of the atmosphere and setting. I always find it is a bit more equal to both players.

“At the other ones, if there is a sort of favourite, it can be a bit louder. Being here in Australia, there is a big Serbian, Croatian and Greek background here, so it’s not that surprising that they are going to get some good support.

“Normally, in the past, he’s given away a little bit more cheap points.

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“But today he was good. And I just found that he was being a bit more proactive than me. I didn’t come out sharp enough.

“I feel like I am playing better than I was this time last year. And even the way I finished at the end of the year, I was in a good place.

“I want to be playing better and winning more matches. They are not coming at the minute.

“I have to keep going. I don’t think I am too far away. I believe that I can do it again.”