Grigor Dimitrov bounced back in style on Wednesday, overcoming nerves to find his best form in a 6-7(3), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-3 victory over Croatian No. 11 seed Marin Cilic in four hours and 24 minutes at Roland Garros.
It may well be a hugely significant win for the Bulgarian, who has struggled for consistency since winning the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals crown that saw him rise to No. 3 in the ATP Rankings.
Dimitrov served an ace out wide to take the fourth set tie-break, then broke twice in the deciding set, prior to squandering two match points on serve at 5-2. Upon clinching his 11th win of the year, he pointed a finger to his head in celebration, staring at fellow Monte-Carlo resident (and his part-time coach) Radek Stepanek, as vindication of the work they have undertaken over the clay swing.
Since landing the biggest title of his career at The O2 in London in November 2017, Dimitrov has posted a 35-27 match record and fallen to World No. 46. On Monday evening, competing on the newest stadium court: Simonne-Mathieu, Dimitrov hit 60 winners - including 15 aces - and came out with two more points than Cilic, 179 to 177.
He will next challenge Stan Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, who underwent two knee surgeries and has also fought his own battle for a return to form.
Wawrinka was impressive in passing a potentially tricky second-round encounter against Chilean Cristian Garin 6-1, 6-4, 6-0 in one hour and 40 minutes. It was the 499th match win of his career and his 40th victory at Roland Garros (40-13 record).
The Swiss star admitted that it was one of the best matches he has played in recent months. “I know how well I can play,” said Wawrinka. “I'm happy with the way I have been playing today… I was really aggressive, moving much better than the first round.
“I like the conditions, I know how well I can play here. I know how well I have been practising and pushing myself to play a match like that. I'm happy with today, but this is just one match, so I just want to be ready for the next one… After the [knee] surgery it took me a little while to get back fit and ready to play like today.”
The 22-year-old Garin, who has contested 27 of his 28 tour-level matches on clay-courts this year, lifted two ATP Tour titles in Houston (d. Ruud) and in Munich (d. Berrettini).
from Tennis - ATP World Tour http://bit.ly/2WdhtLf
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