KOP SHOCK DROP SHOT

Liverpool fan Edmund drowns his sorrows with first round win

KYLE EDMUND had a better day back in the office yesterday after suffering Liverpool’s Champions League defeat in a Paris pub called The Bureau.

The Reds fan watched the Real Madrid reversal with other players and coaches on the eve of the French Open.

But the British No.1 made fewer unforced errors than Loris Karius yesterday in seeing off Aussie teenager Alex de Minaur 6-2 6-4 6-3. And Edmund, who is seeded at a Grand Slam for the first time after reaching the Australian Open semi-finals, certainly gave the impression he could go on another deep run with a powerful display in his Sampdoria-style kit.

“I played well – I played with intent,” said the 16th seed. “There is always a bit more buzz around Grand Slam matches. I was very pleased with how I managed my game.”

Edmund’s biggest problem came when he smacked his knee with his own racquet following a serve in the first set – but that was nothing compared to the pain of the Champions League Final.

“It was sad to lose and the nature of it was annoying, with two easy goals in that fashion, and Mo Salah going off pretty early after a good start from Liverpool.

“It was two goalkeeper errors and one amazing goal. You’ll probably never see something like that in a long time.”

The world No.17 watched the defeat with Neal and Ken Skupski, Aljaz Bedene, Dan Smethurst and German Jan-lennard Struff. “A few of the guys turned up – it was a mixture,” said the teetotaller. “It’s enjoyable, but not at the end.”

The Skupski brothers gained their consolation with a superb 7-5 6-4 firstround victory over Mike Bryan and Sam Querrey in the men’s doubles.

Edmund now faces Hungarian world No.45 Marton Fucsovics in the second round.

Rafa Nadal saved four set points in a thrilling tiebreak before sealing a 6-4 6-3 7-6 first-round win over Italy’s Simone Bolelli.