'Bummed' Anderson congratulates Edmund

Melbourne - South Africa’s Kevin Anderson says he is “bummed” to be heading home early from the Australian Open.

READ: Win over Anderson my best ever - Edmund

Anderson, the 11th seed, was eliminated in the first round by Britain’s Kyle Edmund on Monday.

Edmund, the world No 49, came from two sets to one down to beat Anderson in a five-set thriller, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Edmund, who was born in Johannesburg, gained revenge on Anderson after losing their only previous encounter at last year’s French Open.

There the South African came from behind to win 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/4), 5-7, 6-1, 6-4.

Anderson took to Twitter following his defeat and congratulated Edmund on his win and wished him well for the remainder of the tournament.

Tough one out there for me today ??Fought hard and bummed to be heading home early. Well done @kyle8edmund & good luck the rest of the tournament

— Kevin Anderson (@KAndersonATP) January 15, 2018

As always a big thank you to @AustralianOpen for having me and looking forward to next time! ????????

— Kevin Anderson (@KAndersonATP) January 15, 2018

In the second round, Edmund will face Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin, who knocked out Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-2, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (7/3).