Grigor Dimitrov came from behind to defeat Yuichi Sugita 5-7, 7-6 (5), 6-4 to record a much-needed win in the opening round of the Rogers Cup.
Sugita blows huge lead, recovers to take the first set
Dimitrov was in need of a confidence boost and this match appeared to give him that chance, but he was broken right away, giving Sugita the early lead. That lead grew when the Japanese got a second break, Dimitrov netting a forehand. After a hold, Sugita stunningly had a 4-0 lead. It would stretch to 5-1 and all appeared to be hopeless for Dimitrov, but he produced a brilliant fightback, breaking Sugita twice in between two holds, the second break coming on an errant Sugita backhand.
Now appearing to have the momentum, Dimitrov threw it away and Sugita had a third opportunity to serve out the set. Now ahead 6-5, Sugita was pushed to 30-30, but produced two big serves to get himself out of trouble and take the opening set 7-5.
Dimitrov stages another memorable rally, this one to win the second set
The second set began with three straight breaks of serve, the final one Dimitrov dropping serve when his forehand went long, the Bulgarian whacking a ball into the sky, his frustration visible. Resolute, Dimitrov broke back in the sixth game, levelling the set at 3-3.
The rest of the set was a struggle for the server, each hold providing difficulty, but both players managed to hang on all three times and the set went to a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, Dimitrov, as he's done all match, fell behind, Sugita grabbing an immediate mini-break and his lead was 4-1 after a second minibreak.
Now ahead 5-2, Sugita appeared poised to close the match out, but Dimitrov produced another epic comeback. An exquisite lob brought the former Wimbledon semifinalist to 5-4 and after capturing both of Sugita's serve points, Dimitrov ended the set with a brilliant volley, winning the tiebreak 7-6 (5) and levelling the match at one set all.
Dimitrov Completes Victory
The first two sets provided no insight as to who would gain the upper hand in the final set, but Dimitrov got the first break of the set in the fifth game when Sugita double-faulted. He was pushed to deuce on his next service game but did well to win the next two points and stay in touch with Dimitrov. At 5-4, Dimitrov was able to close the match out to 15, an excellent serve producing a final backhand error from Sugita and giving the Bulgarian a win he badly needed in 2 hours, 29 minutes. Dimitrov will face Canadian wild card Denis Shapovavlov.
