Third seed Grigor Dimitrov struggled in the blistering conditions as he edged his way past Andrey Rublev 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, in the third round of the Australian Open.
The Bulgarian entered the match with doubts surrounding him. Two days ago, he had problems finding his range during what was a tense roller-coaster five-sets triumph over American qualifier Mackenzie McDonald. Taking on rising star Rublev, it was a case of deja vu as both players failed to maintain their momentum with Dimitrov finding a way to come through.
“These are the most important matches for me when things are not working and I am able to find a way.” He said during his on-court interview.
“He’s an unbelievable player, he gave me pretty much a beat up at the US Open. I know what to expect, I knew what I had to do, but certain things in my game are not working at the moment.”
“I’m just pleased that I won the match.” He added.
Friday’s match was a chance for Dimitrov to grab revenge. At the US Open last year he bowed out to world No.32 Rublev in straight sets. This time round, it appeared as if the third seed would be the one cruising to a straight set win as he established a 6-3, 4-2, stronghold early on. Dimitrov’s momentum began to unravel after his 20-year-old rival broke in the second set as his game began to implode. Allowing heavy-hitting Rublev to level the match at one set all with ease.
The comeback was one that frustrated Dimitrov, who was seen ripping his T-shirt during one of the changeovers. Emulating a similar action conducted by Novak Djokovic in the past. His passion was clear for everybody to see, but the consistency was absent.
Gregor Dimitrov is upset & starts to rip his shirt off, cannot finish and has to pull it off normally pic.twitter.com/lJibmlAtQZ
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) January 19, 2018
Despite the scare, the current ATP Finals champion managed to prevail by producing back-to-back breaks in set three before breaking a further time in the fourth. Sealing the marathon three-hour match with a forehand cross-court winner at the net.
Reaching the fourth round in Melbourne for the fourth time in his career, there is still room for improvement. Serving provide to be the main problem for Dimitrov in his latest match. As he produced 15 double faults and could only win 38% (20/53) of his second service points. Although, he continues to look at the positive side of his current form.
“Physically I am feeling pretty good and the heat didn’t scare me at all. That’s a good sign. I just need to stay calm and composed (on the court). I guess that’s about it.” He explained.
Lurking in the last 16 will be either Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or Nick Kyrgios. He has never defeated Tsonga, but does have a 2-1 head-to-head lead over home favourite Kyrgios.
“They are two great tennis players.” Said the world No.3. “Nick is playing unbelievable right now,. He’s playing at home.”
“Jo has proven himself over here (in Melbourne) to play some good tennis.” He added.
Dimitrov is bidding to become the first player from his country to win a grand slam title.
