Third-seeded Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria triumphed over China’s Zhang Zhizhen 6-4, 7-5 in a gripping first-round encounter at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, Austria, on Wednesday.
In their first-ever meeting, world No. 46 Zhang Zhizhen showcased formidable skill and tenacity against world No. 9 Dimitrov. The Chinese player made an impressive start by breaking Dimitrov’s first service game, setting the tone for a tightly contested match. However, the Bulgarian star responded by breaking back in the sixth game, leveling the playing field.
As the first set intensified, Zhang had an opportunity to equalize at 5-5 in the tenth game, earning a game point. Yet, Dimitrov’s experience shone through as he claimed three consecutive points, securing the set 6-4.
The second set saw Zhang continuing to display remarkable resilience. Both players held their serve through the first ten games, with neither willing to concede ground. In the eleventh game, Zhang pushed Dimitrov to a break point, threatening to take the lead. Dimitrov, however, saved the point with a powerful forehand and went on to claim the next two games, wrapping up the match.
“The conditions from last week to today are so different. In the end, I just had to somehow find a way, but I have so much experience in moments like that,” Dimitrov told reporters, reflecting on his recent performance that saw him reach the final in Stockholm. “At the beginning, I was playing alright, but I wasn’t able to hit my spots on the serve very well. In the second set, I almost had too many opportunities, but in the last game, I had a little more authority which helped me to step through and put a little more pressure on him.”
With this victory, Dimitrov advances to face Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic in the next round of the tournament.
Zhang Zhizhen’s performance, despite the loss, signifies his growing presence on the international tennis stage, offering promising prospects for the future of Chinese men’s tennis.
Reference(s):
Zhang Zhizhen falls short to Grigor Dimitrov at Erste Bank Open
cgtn.com
