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? |
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 100th 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.
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