Grigor Dimitrov won his second last set tiebreaker in a row to edge out Frances Tiafoe 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) to set up a Rogers Cup quarter-final with Kevin Anderson.
The match started with some stunning shots as both players displayed their athleticism early on in the match. After a disappointing European swing, Dimitrov is looking to make amends and an important week is needed for him to gain some confidence ahead of the US Open. Despite some double faults handing Tiafoe the early advantage the Bulgarian’s pace from the backhand side cause the American some serious problems as he broke straight back at 3-3.
As for the fifth seed’s opponent, Tiafoe, he was having his best season yet having won in Delray Beach earlier in the season in February as his grand slam results were gradually improving. The American youngster used his unique serve to dictate points and as a result he earned himself a first set tiebreak. However the Bulgarian was just too strong as he cruised to the tiebreak, 7-1.
The American showed great character in his last match to defeat home favourite, Milos Raonic and used similar characteristics in the second set. The 20 year old secured the break in the sixth game as he took advantage of Dimitrov’s poor serving on key points. The American fought off a break point in the ninth game as he secured the second set in 35 minutes to force a decider.
The talented American, who clearly has all the tools to be a top ten player continued his momentum in the third set as he grabbed the break early on for a 2-1 lead. The Bulgarian wasn’t going to lie down easily though and a few stunning shots gave him the break back. The American had his chances to serve for the match however Dimitrov’s stubbornness saw him fight off Tiafoe and force a final set tiebreak.
The Bulgarian won a tight final set tiebreak against Verdasco and repeated the trick against Tiafoe as the American’s errors cost him. The win means that the Bulgarian’s season could be about to re-start and it comes at an important time with his Cincinnati title defence next week. As for Tiafoe he misses out on the biggest win of is career and he will have to wait longer for a top ten win.
The Bulgarian will now play Wimbledon finalist, Kevin Anderson in the quarter-finals after a 7-5 6-3 win over Belarusian qualifier Ilya Ivashka 7-5 6-3. The South African hit 15 aces as he set up a quarter-final showdown with Dimitrov.
