DIMI BEATS NERVES TO DOWN DOM
GRIGOR DIMITROV steadied the beginner’s nerves on his ATP Finals debut with a three-set win over Dominic Thiem.
With Andy Murray out injured, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the main attractions at London’s O2 Arena this week.
But there may not be any contests as entertaining as this clash of two hours and 19 minutes.
Dimitrov surrendered a one-set lead then needed two chances to serve for victory in the decider before edging past Austrian ace Thiem 6-3 5-7 7-5.
But if Dimitrov, 26, is to maintain his challenge he’ll have to keep his cool.
He’s the first Bulgarian qualifier in the competition’s 48-year history – and admitted afterwards he had struggled to handle the pressure in London.
Dimitrov said: “I’m not going to lie, I was pretty nervous in my first match out here.
“It’s not the same as practising on this court, you feel the weight on your shoulders, in a positive way of course. I’m just very grateful to win in that manner. It’s not easy playing here for the first time.”
Ranked a career-high sixth in the world, Dimitrov took a break midway through the opening set and served out but Thiem levelled as his opponent wavered at the end of the second.
A shanked forehand wide gave Thiem a set-clinching break at 6-5 but Dimitrov again pulled ahead in the third, when a sensational drop volley put him a break and 4-3 up.
But serving for the match at 5-4 he wobbled again as a framed backhand beyond the baseline allowed Thiem a reprieve.
But the Austrian, perhaps also affected by the jitters, failed to consolidate as two consecutive double faults allowed Dimitrov a 6-5 advantage and a second chance to serve out.
Even with two match points, Dimitrov threatened to choke again as he spurned both, one with a double fault of his own. But he finally converted a third when a Thiem backhand landed long.