courtesy: Reuters video
Grigor Dimitrov survived a stern test from South Africa’s Kevin Anderson to win the Mexican Open tournament in the early hours of Sunday morning, (March 2) 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(5) after nearly three hours of play.
Dimitrov, still recovering from an epic semi-final battle against Briton Andy Murray, earned his second tour-level title, and his first at 500 level. He took the Stockholm Open 250 Series title last year.
The 22-year old Bulgarian fought to take the first set 7-1 in a tie-break against Anderson. But it was the South African who seized the second set, taking a 3-0 lead and taking it 6-3.
Anderson again took the advantage in the third set but his serve was was broken, so the match went to another tie-break. The two players were all square at 4-4 but Dimitrov edged ahead and won the match as Anderson put his forehand return out.
The win should boost Dimitrov from 28th in the ATP world rankings into the top twenty at a projected 16, while Anderson is expected to join him at 17th.
“That one means a lot to me,” said Dimitrov afterwards. “I hope it is going to go even further, after 500, 1000 and then eventually getting the slam but you know, step by step I just need to recover now and get ready for Indian Wells.”
The ATP 1000 category tournament at Indian Wells in California begins on March 6.
Result from the Acapulco International Men’s Singles Final on Saturday
4-Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) beat 5-Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(5)
(Reuters)