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Dimitrov Applies Schmear to Second-Set Bagel in Beijing



Check out the flight path of Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov during this incredible set point against Lucas Pouille on Thursday at the China Open. The speedy Dimitrov twice ranges to his right to retrieve forehand before rapidly recovering to the middle of the court. Still on the defensive, Dimitrov is then pushed to his left by a big Pouille forehand. Somehow he gets a lob back, disappears from the camera’s view as he backpedals back into the center of the court, yet far deeper behind the baseline.

Watch: Monfils and Simon Play an Intense, 37-stroke Rally

But wait—it gets better. Dimitrov reappears in the picture, sprinting to his backhand side to retrieve a Pouille smash, and he gets it back just barely, the ball landing short, as Dimitrov frantically adjusts his baseline depth yet again and prepares to make a mad dash to his forehand side.

Most mere mortals would have either twisted an ankle or just plain given up on the point but Dimitrov, who made the perfect read on this final ball, sprints to his right and wallops a searing forehand winner down the line.

Set, Dimitrov.

Oxygen, Dimitrov.

In one point the World No.20 put on a footwork and defensive clinic. It’s all there. The movement, the instinct, the racquet work. The adjustment in depth behind the baseline in relation to angle and danger.

Dimitrov went on to win in three sets and will face Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals. He’s gone 14-5 since hiring Dani Vallverdu as his coach, and he really does seem to be playing his way back into the ATP equation at the moment.

The tennis world is waiting for Dimitrov to become a Top 10 player again. Why? Because he’s ELECTRIC. He’s clearly got the game to be a significant player on the tour for years to come, and at 25 years of age, he’s got time on his side.

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