Grigor Dimitrov crashes out, Dominic Thiem and Hyeon Chung fight back

Grigor Dimitrov was an early casualty at the Indian Wells Masters, while Dominic Thiem and Hyeon Chung didn’t have it all their own way.
Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco upset the fourth-seeded Dimitrov 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-3 in two hours and six minutes to book his third-round ticket.
Both players lost their serve once in the opening set, but it was Verdasco who held his nerve in the tie-breaker.
However, Dimitrov immediately hit back in the second set as he broke twice in the opening three games to go 3-0 ahead and, although his opponent claimed one break back, he still squared it at one-set each.
The decisive break of the match game in the eighth game of the third set and Verdasco then served it out to set up a clash against Tayor Fritz after the American upset 27th seed Andrey Rublev 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).
Meanwhile, Thiem was taken to three sets by up-and-coming youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas in his opening match, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
After breezing through the opening set, the world No 6 found himself a break down early in the second with Tsitsipas going on to level things up.
However, he regained his rhythm in the decider to secure his place in the third round.
Australian Open semi-finalist Chung also needed three sets to beat Dusan Lajovic, winning 6-7 (9-11), 6-3, 6-3 in two hours and 48 minutes.
Earlier this evening…@hyeonchung skillfully finds his way into the third round 6-7(9) 6-3 6-3 over Lajovic.#BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/UaouPj6ViF
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 11, 2018
US Open runner-up and seventh seed Kevin Anderson also advanced as he beat Evgeny Donskoy 7-5, 6-4, the 12th seeded Tomas Berdych claimed a straightforward 6-1, 6-4 win over German Maximillian Narterer while Pablo Cuevas beat Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (7-4,) 6-3.
However, 16th seed Fabio Fognini lost against Jeremy Chardy as he went down 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-4.
Latest
-
Australian Open
How Novak Djokovic will end the GOAT debate once and for all
With Djokovic now level with Nadal in 22 major wins, tennis legend John McEnroe has predicted how many more he will win.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic proud of ‘special journey’ to 22nd Grand Slam title
Novak Djokovic’s victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas gave him his 10th title in Melbourne, a year after being deported.
-
Australian Open
Elena Rybakina hits back over ‘fake news’ about her ‘passionate coach’ Stefano Vukov
“I want to clarify any misinterpretations,” says Elena Rybakina.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic has ‘at least three more Grand Slams’ in him – John McEnroe
How many more Grand Slam titles can Novak Djokovic win? John McEnroe expects plenty more from world No 1.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic breaks down after ‘biggest victory of his life’ at Australian Open
Novak Djokovic joined Rafael Nadal at the top of the men’s list for most Grand Slams.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas hails Novak Djokovic as the ‘greatest that has ever held a tennis racket’
Stefanos Tsitsipas hailed Novak Djokovic as the greatest ever following Australian Open final.
-
Australian Open
WATCH: Raw emotion from ‘superhuman’ Novak Djokovic after he returns to his perch in Australia
Novak Djokovic let it all out after winning the 2023 Australian Open.
-
Australian Open
The King Returns: Novak Djokovic wins 10th Australian Open, returns to No 1, joins Rafael Nadal on 22 Slams
Novak Djokovic, who also becomes world number one, defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets.
-
Tennis News
Top 10 men’s title winners in the Open Era: Novak Djokovic moves ahead of Rafael Nadal and closer to 100th title
A 10th Australian Open title sees Novak Djokovic move ahead of Rafael Nadal.
-
Australian Open
Aryna Sabalenka ready to battle at top of women’s game after Australian Open win
A terrific Australian Open final indicated Iga Swiatek will soon have company at the top in Aryna Sabalenka.