Dimitrov Earns Opening Win In Vienna
Grigor Dimitrov snapped a three-match losing streak on Tuesday when he cruised past Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro 6-3, 6-4 at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.
The Bulgarian arrived at the ATP 500 event off the back of disappointing opening-round exits on home soil in Sofia and in Stockholm. However, he produced a strong serving performance against Monteiro to earn his 22nd tour-level win of the season.
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Dimitrov fired 10 aces, won 86 per cent (30/35) of his first-serve points and did not face a break point to reach the second round after 75 minutes. The 31-year-old, who is making his fifth appearance in Vienna, will next play third seed Andrey Rublev.
In other action, Daniel Evans rallied from 2-5 in the second set to overcome German Oscar Otte 6-4, 7-6(3). The Briton has fond memories in Vienna, having advanced to the semi-finals on debut in 2020. The 32-year-old will next meet Karen Khachanov.
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Denis Shapovalov brushed aside Austrian Jurij Rodionov 6-4, 6-4 to maintain his good form. The Canadian, who reached the final in Seoul and the last four in Tokyo earlier this month, struck 27 winners and broke six times to triumph after one hour and 42 minutes.
The World No. 19 will next meet fourth seed Taylor Fritz, who defeated Shapovalov in Tokyo.
Finn Emil Ruusuvuori also advanced, eliminating Metz champion Lorenzo Sonego 6-2, 6-3. Ruusuvuori, up to No. 41 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings, will next play fifth seed Hubert Hurkacz or American Frances Tiafoe.