US Open Day 2 And 3 - Dimitrov Claims First Win

Grigor Dimitrov’s reaction under the lights of the Louis Armstrong stadium wasn’t one of a man who had just won his first match at the US Open but one from player who believes he can go all the way over the next fortnight.   

A wry smile, a wave to his ever going fan club and a few trademark autographs was all that was required in a routine celebration from the 23 year old Bulgarian which showed his aspirations at this tournament go far beyond the second week.



After his first win at the US Open how far can Dimitrov go?

Seeded seventh at this year’s Championship, his highest ever seeding at a major, Dimitrov spent little time in reaching the second round coming through a potential tricky match with a American Ryan Harrison 6-2 7-6(4) 6-2 after 2 hours and 4 minutes of play.

Nicknamed “Baby Federer”, a colossal burden for any player, Dimitrov could face the great Swiss in the quarter finals if the seedings go to plan. On this sort of form that’s a real possibility, as Dimitrov began the final Slam of the year the same way he finished the last one, producing the same assured, athletic tennis which saw him reach the Wimbledon semi-final.

After breaking Harrison early in the match the first set never looked in doubt. Dimitrov used his large variety of shots to outmanoeuvre his opponent, his superb slice back hand zipped effortlessly through the court while his hammering top spin also inflicted plenty of damage.

However Harrison, currently ranked outside the top 100 due to an injury hit year, showed more resistance in the second set and struck the first blow of it by breaking Dimitrov for the first time of the match.

But when the American was faced with a chance to serve for the set, Dimirov, aided by a few Harrison double faults, broke back before hustling to a two set lead on a tie break which he won by 7 points to 4.

From that point on Harrison had little in reserve, as Dimitrov stormed to victory to set up a second round match with Israel’s Dudi Sela who beat Carlos Berlocq in four sets.

Elsewhere Dimitrov’s other half Maria Sharapova came through her second round with Alexandra Dulgheru in a match which proved to be the contest of the day. Sharapova seeded fifth at these Championships dropped the first set to her Romanian opponent before finally prevailing 4-6 6-3 6-2 in 2 hours 38 minutes.

After three days the first real shock of the tournament came when fourth seed in the women’s draw Agnieszka Radwanska lost her second round match to Shuai Peng of China.

With both first and second rounds being played out on the third day, Tomas Berdych began his tournament with a straight sets win over Lleyton Hewitt. It was a landmark win for the sixth seeded Czech who also recorded his 100^th Grand Slam victory.

Elsewhere Stanislas Wawrinka and Blaz Kavcic became the first two men to reach the third round after winning their second round matches.