Dimitrov Downs Tiafoe in Thrilling Encounter

Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov defeated Frances Tiafoe to reach the quarterfinals of the Rogers Cup on Thursday. The final score read 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (4) in Dimitrov’s favour.

Dimitrov, the number five seed needed just two hours 26 minutes to romp to victory on centre court. Tiafoe reached the 3rd round to set up a clash with Dimitrov after defeating local favourite Milos Raonic. Now, the 27-year old will go up against Wimbledon semifinalist Kevin Anderson.

Other notable matches include Denis Shapovalov who will play Dutchman Robin Haase. Meanwhile, reigning Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will meet rising Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Stn Wawrinka’s return to the tennis circuit continues to go swimmingly after beating Marton Fucsovics. Unfortunately, he will be squaring off against top seed Rafael Nadal. Defending Rogers Cup champion Alexander Zverev of Germany will go up against Russian qualifier Daniil Medvedev.

Play continues through Sunday at the US$5.94-million Masters 1000 Series ATP World Tour competition.

Before disposing off Tiafoe, he defeated Spanish player Fernando Verdasco in 3 sets. Dimitrov has had to endure a disappointing season, with 19 match wins and 13 losses. However, he is eager to change that dynamic by adding a few more events to his schedule. He has confirmed that he will play at the Beijing’s China Open from 1 to 7 October 2018.

He joins a line-up consisting of defending champion Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Murray. Last year Dimitrov lost to Nadal in a close three-set semifinals match (the Spaniard prevailed 6-3 4-6 6-1). A year prior, he reached the final losing to Murray.

Dimitrov’s participation at the Rogers Cup comes after having taken a one-month break from the Tour. Dimitrov could also make an appearance at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. Tournament director Herwig Straka said that bringing in Grigor in 2018 was one of their goals for the tournament.