Third seed Grigor Dimitrov has got his Australian Open campaign underway with a comprehensive 6-3, 6-2, 6-1, win over qualifier Denis Novak.
Monday’s clash on the Rod Laver Arena was a meeting of two different worlds. Reigning ATP Finals champion Dimitrov was making his eighth appearance in the Melbourne main draw. In contrast, world No.225 Novak was playing in his first grand slam main draw at the age of 24.
“It’s so nice to be back here.” Dimitrov said about his Australian Open return. “There are a lot of great memories. I love playing on this court, I love playing in front of you guys (the crowd). It’s an honour for me to play on this court for my first match.”
The disparity between the two players played into the hands of the Bulgarian, who managed to dictate the rallies with the help of the intensity of his shot-making. Novak, who won seven titles on the Futures circuit last year, struggled to keep his unforced error count to a minimum. Enabling Dimitrov to cruise to a two-set lead after just 69 minutes of play.
Continuing to establish his dominance in the match, Dimitrov’s sublime defensive play allowed him to break his Austrian rival to love early in the third set. A couple games later he extended the lead to 4-1 with a forehand winner down the line. Triggering a fist clench along with a should of ‘come on’ from the 26-year-old.
The business-like performance drew admiration from the Australian crowd as Dimitrov continued to sprint around the court. Putting his speed and athletic ability on full display. His dominant 98-minute performance concluded with a Novak backhand slamming into the net.
“Today, the weather was a bit tricky.” The third seed explained. “There was a lot of wind during the warm up, so you couldn’t get to your shots. I just tried to be compact, focused and really use every opportunity I had and obviously save some energy.”
As the first player from his country to crack the top three of the ATP Emirates rankings, Dimitrov has cast his eyes on becoming the first to win a major. Last year at the tournament he reached the semifinals before going out to Rafael Nadal.
“It’s always been a dream of mine.” Dimitrov said about the prospect of winning a grand slam. “This is the next step, I’m not going to lie. I don’t want to sound too modest.
“The only thing I can do is give 100% from myself and progress as the tournament goes.”
Dimitrov will face another qualifier in the next round. Awaiting him will be either Elias Ymer or Mackenzie McDonald.
Isner crashes out
John Isner has failed to win his opening match in the tournament for the first time since 2014. The American 16th seed, who also lost his opening match in Auckland last week, crashed out to Australia’s Matthew Ebden 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Isner entered the match with a 3-0 head-to-head lead over his opponent, but struggled with his consistency in Melbourne Park. Resulting in 30-year-old Ebden defeating a top 20 player in a grand slam for the first time in his career.
“He is such a great player and so tough to beat so I had to stay composed and find a bit of extra positivity and energy and I think I got that from the crowd, so thank you,” Ebden said following the match.
“I am working hard and trying my best and … it’s nice to get some rewards. “I’ve been playing better the last six to a months, I want to keep it going.”
Ebden will next take on Alexandr Dolgopolov, who defeated Andreas Haider-Maurer in straight sets.
