Easy does it for Dimitrov and Shapovalov

Shahida Jacobs

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.

Tennis fans also took time out to mock Dimitrov’s salmon-inspired outfit for the match.

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).

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