Dimitrov Holds Off Young American McDonald

January 17, 2018 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Dimitrov (9)

 

A dark horse candidate in Melbourne, Grigor Dimitrov got past a major test in the Australian Open second round on Wednesday, edging former NCAA Singles champion Mackenzie McDonald 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 0-6, 8-6.

A semifinalist here last year, Dimitrov used his experience to power through in the match’s final set by converting its only break point.

“I felt I had a lot of experience behind me,” said Dimitrov. “I didn’t get too frustrated. I didn’t get to tentative on certain shots. I was trying to be patient and play just a very simple game. That was the biggest key for me today, my experience overall, being in those matches.”

An intriguing matchup waits in the third round as Dimitrov will take on 30th seeded Russian Andrey Rublev, who ousted Cyprus’ Marcos Baghdatis 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-2.

World number one Rafael Nadal notched another routine victory on his way to the third round. Nadal, last year’s runner-up, moved past Leonardo Mayer of Argentina 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4).

“It was an important victory for me,” said Nadal. “He is always a tough opponent. I had to hit some great shots in the tiebreak. I’m happy to be in the third round after awhile without being in competition.”

Nadal takes on 28th seed Damir Dzumhur next.

American Ryan Harrison powered into the third round, following up his five-set victory over Dudi Sela in the opening round with a more convincing 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-4 win over 31st seed Pablo Cuevas.

Harrison will take on sixth-seed Marin Cilic next. Cilic cruised past Joao Sousa 6-1, 7-5, 6-2 to clinch his spot in the third round. 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
USTA NTC

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