Easy does it for Dimitrov and Shapovalov
World No 3 Grigor Dimitrov brushed aside qualifier Dennis Novak in straight sets on Monday to book his place in the Australian Open second round.
The Bulgarian, who reached the semi-finals at Melbourne Park last year, needed just one hour and 38 minutes to beat Novak 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena, hitting 21 winners.
“I just tried to be compact, focused, used every opportunity I had and tried to save some energy,” Dimitrov said after the match.
Dimitrov secures the opening set against Novak ?? pic.twitter.com/EJZUMMaRuD
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) January 15, 2018
Tennis fans also took time out to mock Dimitrov’s salmon-inspired outfit for the match.
I’ve found Grigor Dimitrov’s inspiration for his #AusOpen outfit… pic.twitter.com/9agItM7DON
— Dejan Kalinic (@DejanKalinic) January 15, 2018
Up next for the 26-year-old is either American Mackenzie McDonald or Swede Elias Ymer.
Meanwhile, Russian youngster Andrey Rublev needed five sets to see off Spanish veteran David Ferrer to win 7-5, 6-7 (8-10), 6-2, 6-7, (8-10) 6-2.
However, 18-year-old Canadian Denis Shapovalov had an easier encounter as he beat Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5).
Latest
-
WTA TourCanada’s teenaged Billie Jean King Cup hero holds Wimbledon dream
Marina Stakusic has been singled out as a player to watch in 2024.
-
Tennis NewsTennis chief reveals how he brought Emma Raducanu back to Auckland for comeback event
Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin revealed how he brough Raducanu back to New Zealand.
-
Tennis NewsHow rich is Jessica Pegula: Net worth in 2023
Jessica Pegula is the first to admit that she comes from a family of privilege, but she is also one of the hardest-working players.
-
Tennis NewsRealistic targets for Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu as new comeback footage is released
The tennis world is holding its breath…
-
OlympicsOlympics clear Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in Paris as neutrals
Russian and Belarusian athletes will get their shot at gold at Paris 2024.
-
WTA TourNaomi Osaka wants to further her tennis education and win more Grand Slams
Naomi Osaka believes that she has a lot to learn about the game.
-
Tennis NewsITF’s ‘Class of 2023’ revealed as the five most promising junior players in the world are identified
Away from the spotlight at the top of the sport, this has been a stand-out year for junior players thriving on the ITF’s World Tennis Tour.
-
NewsIga Swiatek: Biography, Lifestyle, Lovelife, Net Worth, Career, Endorsements
Find out more about Iga Swiatek.
-
ATP TourThe 20 countries with the most ATP titles in 2023: Novak Djokovic’s Serbia 1st, United States 5th
A look at the different countries to win ATP Tour singles titles in 2023.
-
Tennis NewsHuge slide for fallen world No 1 in UTR rankings as Iga Swiatek leads the way
The final UTR rankings for 2023 show Poland’s Swiatek as the outstanding No 1.