LONDON, July 1, 2024 — Bulgaria’s top tennis player, Grigor Dimitrov, began his 14th Wimbledon campaign with a commanding first-round victory over Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic.
The 10th-seeded Dimitrov showcased his grass-court prowess at the All England Club, securing a 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 win and marking his 20th Wimbledon match victory and 30th win of the season.
Opting to serve after winning the toss, Dimitrov set the tone with an early break, establishing a swift 3-0 lead.
Demonstrating precise shot-making and strategic play, he maintained his advantage, and, serving for the first set at 5-3, he clinched it convincingly. Lajovic’s return went wide on Dimitrov’s second set point, sealing the set in just 27 minutes.
The second set saw Dimitrov continue his aggressive approach. He secured an early break and consolidated his lead with solid serves and powerful groundstrokes.
Despite encountering a brief challenge in the eighth game, where he faced a 40-40 score following his first double fault, Dimitrov remained unshaken.
He responded with two strong shots to take a commanding 5-3 lead. Serving for the set at 5-4, he closed it out emphatically with his 14th ace and a flawless 40-0 run.
In the third set, Lajovic momentarily turned the tables, breaking Dimitrov’s serve for a 2-0 lead. However, the Bulgarian, drawing on his experience as a former junior champion at Wimbledon, broke back at love to level the score at 3-4.
Despite facing some physical discomfort, Dimitrov’s resilience shone through. He broke Lajovic again in the 11th game, then served out the match in the next, saving a critical break point and sealing victory with a backhand winner on match point.
Dimitrov’s performance was highlighted by his 45 winners, including 16 aces, and a remarkable 92 percent success rate on his first-serve points.
His 23 unforced errors were overshadowed by his aggressive and effective play, which kept Lajovic under constant pressure.
With this win, Dimitrov earns 90 ATP ranking points, reinforcing his position as the world number 10. Additionally, he secures £93,000 in prize money before taxes, adding to his impressive career earnings.
Reflecting on his performance, Dimitrov expressed satisfaction with his strong start at Wimbledon. “It’s always special to play here, and I’m pleased with how I managed the match today,” he said. “The grass suits my game, and I felt in control from the start. I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”
Dimitrov’s next opponent is China’s Shang Juncheng, currently ranked 91st in the world. Their second-round clash is scheduled for Wednesday, and Dimitrov remains focused on advancing further at this prestigious Grand Slam.
“I’ve seen Shang play, and he’s a talented and tough competitor,” Dimitrov noted. “I’ll need to be at my best, but I’m ready for the challenge.”
As Dimitrov continues his quest for Wimbledon glory, his formidable form and strategic acumen make him a player to watch in this year’s tournament. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the Bulgarian fares in the upcoming rounds at the All-England Club.