LONDON: Second seed Grigor Dimitrov overcame a shaky performance to see of Damir Dzumhur 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3, in the first round of the Fever-tree Championships.
The 2014 champion illustrated glimpses of both his best and worst tennis as he survived the 123-minute encounter. Hitting 38 winners along with 37 unforced errors. Despite the mixed display, he managed to come out on top during the crunch moments of the match. Triggering flashbacks to Dzumhur’s French Open clash with Alexander Zverev where he had a match point before losing.
“I’m really glad that I was able to finish the match in such a manor. I mean, I was a little bit rusty obviously.” Dimitrov said afterwards. “I need to brush up on a few things and come back and be better.”
Dimitrov, who is making his 10th appearance at The Queen’s Club, overcame some rust at the start to take control against the world No.29. During the Opening set, the Bulgarian first struck in the fourth game. Hitting a cross-court winner to secure a 3-1 lead. Dzumhur fought to stay within contention with the help of a series of slice shots, but he failed to capitalize on his opportunities. Missing a trio of break points in the following game to level back up. Enabling Dimitrov to go ahead and clinch the 6-3 lead with the help of a forehand down the line.
The stiff opposition Dimitrov was facing on Centre Court was illustrated at the start of the second set. A marathon 13-minute Dzumhur service game saw the second seed fail to convert eight break points. Dimitrov’s frustrations grew further when he saw a 3-1 lead go following a resurgence from his Bosnian rival, who went on to earn a set point in his favor. The cat and mouse chase between the two continued as both players struggled to maintain their lead. Eventually, it was Dimitrov who buckled under the pressure on the court. Hitting two consecutive unforced errors from the forehand side to hand his rival the tiebreaker and the second set.
The roller coaster performance from the world No.5 continued into the decider. Proving plenty of food for through for his camp watching from the sidelines. Nevertheless, Dimitrov managed to close in on the win after receiving some help from his rival. A Dzumhur forehand error followed by a double fault, granted him another break, but this time is was also the chance to serve the match out. A task he passed after slamming an ace down the centre of the court on match point.
“(I want) to play as many matches as possible on the grass. We have such a limited time.” Dimitrov said about his goals for the grass season. “During those five weeks you just want to make sure you play as much matches as possible. You need to be ready, so you have to play on the edge every single day.”
Dimitrov will play either Novak Djokovic or John Millman next.
Earlier in he day, Milos Raonic progressed to the last 16 after his opponent, Yuki Bhambri, retired injured. The former Wimbledon finalist was leading the match 6-1, 3-1, before the Indian qualifier called it quits due to a right leg injury. Raonic, who lost to Roger Federer in the final of the Mercedes Cup on Sunday, hit a total of 13 aces and dropped only five points behind his serve before the match was halted.
“I feel really good. I feel like I’m playing well, I’m doing things well. The body’s holding on, which is nice.” Said Raonic.
“All these kind of things are important. So coming here on grass, that on its own is just some kind of comfort. The fact I’m playing well helps, as well. Overall it’s very positive for me.”
The Canadian will take on either David Goffin or Feliciano Lopez next.
