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Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem kept it classy after losing to Grigor Dimitrov at the Australian Open as he hopes the 29-year-old Bulgarian can win it all at Melbourne Park and finally win his maiden Grand Slam title.
Thiem, seeded at No. 3, was stunned by world No. 21 Dimitrov in straight sets but after the match he claimed he was hampered by a physical issue, though he did not specify which exactly. Dimitrov, who claimed the biggest title of his career at the Nitto ATP Finals in 2017, has made one semifinal in each Grand Slam except the French Open.
"I think a combination of [a few] things, some little physical issues, plus a real bad day, plus the fact that he's a great player,” Thiem said after losing to Dimitrov, as revealed on the ATP website. “If he's on, he's super tough to play, especially in faster conditions than now, and I really wish that he can make a great breakthrough at a Grand Slam.
He would definitely deserve it”.
Dimitrov outclassed Thiem
Thiem made a great start to the match as he took an early 3-1 first-set lead but then he lost his serve twice as Dimitrov won the opener. The exact same scenario happened in the second set as Thiem claimed an early 3-1 lead but then got broken twice as Dimitrov won the set and took a two-set lead.
Dimitrov then absolutely dominated Thiem in the third set in the end he won the match 6-4 6-4 6-0. "I thought I kept the ball rolling and was trying to focus on my game plan,” said Dimitrov. “I stayed focused and composed throughout the match.
I am very happy to be in the quarter-finals. I thought I had great preparation coming into the tournament and wanted to pace myself, working hard off the court. Dominic is an extraordinary player and I enjoy playing against him”.