By Erik Gudris | Thursday, January 22, 2015

 

Grigor Dimitrov and his improved fitness proved too much for local favorite Marcos Baghdatis at the Australian Open.

Photo Credit: Corleve

A match that could well be described as "hot shot heaven" for tennis fans ended up being decided by fitness at the Australian Open.

No. 10 seed Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria managed to outlast former event finalist Marcos Baghdatis in an anticipated third round encounter on Court 3.

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Though both trained together as juniors, their friendship was put aside for a few hours on the court. Baghdatis, enjoying vocal support from die-hard local fans, enjoyed taking the early lead by claiming the first set.

Even when Dimitrov leveled things at one set all, the match was just heating up. Baghdatis continued to strike almost impossible winners from all sides of the court. Yet the 2006 Australian Open finalist also used strategy as he hit often to his opponent's preferred backhand before targeting Dimitrov's weaker forehand to draw the error.

Soon, Baghdatis was up two sets to one against a frustrated looking Dimitrov.

The tied turned for Dimitrov as he won the fourth set to force a deciding set. Looking fresher than his 29-year-old opponent, Dimitrov pushed Baghdatis behind the baseline to force an error and soon broke for an early 2-1 lead.

As Baghdatis started to look tired, Dimitrov looked the opposite. His recent improved stamina thanks to his work with coach Roger Rasheed appeared to give him the edge as the set continued.

Baghdatis would get to within a game of tying the set with more spectacular winners. But Dimitrov would not let go of his lead. A weary looking Baghdatis soon found himself down several match points on his serve at 3-5. Dimitrov forced a final error from his opponent to secure the hard-fought and entertaining win 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Dimitrov continues as a darkhorse favorite for the title and may next face Andy Murray in the next round.