Vasek Pospisil scored his biggest win of 2016 on Wednesday at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, stunning the red-hot Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets. Dimitrov came into the match on the heels of a runner-up performance in Beijing, but was unable to make a dent in the solid Pospisil serve. In two tight sets, it was the Canadian who came up clutch on the big points, taking control late in both sets for the 7-5, 7-6(2) victory.

Pospisil Battles for First Set

Seemingly in form for the first time in a while, Pospisil got off to a quick start, breaking Dimitrov in the second game and racing ahead to a 3-0 lead. But as has often been the case for the Canadian number two, maintaining that high level proved challenging and Dimitrov responded with a three-game run of his own, reclaiming the break and levelling at 3-3. Both men settled in on their serves, with neither player getting past 30 on return in the next four games.

Pospisil lunges for a forehand during his first round win. Photo: Zhong Zhi/Getty Images
Pospisil lunges for a forehand during his first round win. Photo: Zhong Zhi/Getty Images

At 5-5, Pospisil found himself under pressure. He fell behind 30-40, but managed to save the break point. It would take the Canadian three deuces to get out of that game to hold for 6-5 and put the pressure back on Dimitrov. Serving to stay in the set, Dimitrov blinked. After failing to convert a pair of game points, he found himself down break point, which was also a set point. Pospisil jumped on the opportunity, converting to claim the opening set 7-5.

Strong Serving Seals Pospisil Victory

Unlike the momentum-swinging start to the first set, both men were in control on serve early. While they ended up level at 3-3 once again, it was a very different path, with both men only losing two points in their first three service games. Dimitrov would get the first break chance of the set in the seventh game, but could not convert his break point. In the following game, the Bulgarian was forced to fight through three deuces, but managed to deny Pospisil any break point opportunities.

Dimitrov hits a forehand during his first round match in Shanghai. Photo: Kevin Lee/Getty Images
Dimitrov hits a forehand during his first round match in Shanghai. Photo: Kevin Lee/Getty Images

Pospisil continued to put pressure on the Dimitrov serve, forcing another two deuces in the following game, but still could not reach break point. After Pospisil held for 6-5, Dimitrov found himself in the same position as the opening set. This time, he held his nerve, holding to 15 to send the set to a tiebreak. In the breaker, Pospisil was untouchable on serve. He scored a minibreak to go up 2-1, stretching the lead to 4-1. Dimitrov seemed to have no answer and gave up a second minibreak to trail 5-2. Serving for the match, Pospisil made no mistake, claiming his last two service points to wrap up the upset.

By the Numbers

Statistically, there was very little between the two men. Pospisil had eight aces to Dimitrov’s seven, while the each won 79 percent of their first serve points. Pospisil was the stronger of the two on second serve, winning 53 percent of his to Dimitrov’s 40. The Canadian was also better on break points, saving two of three, while convert both of his on his opponent’s serve. In the end, Pospisil only won five more points than Dimitrov.

The win sends Pospisil into the third round of a Masters 1000 event for the first time since the 2013 Rogers Cup, where he made the semifinals. For his efforts, Pospisil’s reward is a battle with world number one Novak Djokovic in the third round. 

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About the author
Pete Borkowski
Tennis has always been my obsession. What better way to channel that obsession than writing about it? After 18 months of blogging with Sportsblog.com as the writer of A Fan Obsesseds blog, all the while completing my Bachelors in history and French, I joined VAVEL so that I can better share my love and knowledge of tennis with the world.