South African Harris downs Dimitrov in Madrid

South African Lloyd Harris downed Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in three sets in the first round of the Madrid Open on Monday.

Harris, who beat world No 4 Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov en route to the final in Dubai in March, pulled off another upset by ousting Dimitrov 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5).

The world number 54 held off a late fightback from 13th seed Dimitrov, who saved three match points in the final set before breaking back to force a tie-break.

“It was a big up and down match, I had a set and a break, then I was a break up in the third too,” said Harris.