Grigor Dimitrov progressed to round three of Wimbledon today with a 7-6 6-2 7-6 victory over Steve Johnson.
The Bulgarian will feel good to have had to raise his game so early in the tournament, especially with a seeded player in the next round, as rarely do the top players have to hit a higher gear in the first few rounds. However, Dimitrov has been tested well now and will be able to take this into round three.
The first set was extremely even, going all the way to a tiebreak after the two could not be separated. Here, both players were again level for some time, before Dimitrov took his chance to take the first set, winning the enthralling tiebreak 10-8.
The second set was much easier as the world number 11 breezed through with a double break allowing him to take a two set lead, whilst the third set was much tighter again, and Dimitrov even had to save two set points before going on to win 7-2 on the eventual tiebreak.
Speaking to the BBC after his victory, the 24-year-old said he "knew what to expect from Johnson" having played him so many times, but acknowledged that it was a tough match. He was "really happy" to win the first set, as it meant he could "relax" in the second and play more, as was seen with the comfortable victory in that set.
When asked about the two set points saved in set three, Dimitrov said it was "important to stay in the match" and believed the fact that he "served well, especially when [he] had to" really helped, such as when he saved these opportunities Johnson saw.
The Bulgarian will face Frenchman Richard Gasquet in round three, who beat compatriot Kenny de Schepper 6-0 6-3 6-3 earlier this afternoon. Dimitrov has never beaten Gasquet before, and thus told the BBC that the match is "not going to be a walk in the park" as a result, and because his next opponent is a "great player on grass."
However, he is confident heading into the next round, stating that he is "ready" for the challenge that awaits him and that he "like[s] his chances."