[CR2] Andy Murray (GBR) vs. [CR28] Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)
The last time Dimitrov defeated Murray was in 2014 at Wimbledon. Murray has gotten the better of him since then and led their head-to-head 6:2 coming into this match. Things looked to be heading in Murray’s direction once again after he won the first set tiebreak; however, Dimitrov has been slowly inching his way back to the form that once saw him ranked as high as number 8. Murray was distracted and it showed as he let the lead disappear in the third set. I am still trying to figure out what happened, but only Murray can answer that question. Dimitrov will gladly take the three set victory and defeating the number two ranked player in the world 6-7(1), 6-4, 6-3 will give him a tremendous boost going into the French Open.
MONFILS WON WITHOUT TOO MUCH FANFARE
[CR16] Gael Monfils (FRA) vs. [CR25] Pablo Cuevas (URU)
Monfils had won their two previous encounters. On hard courts the advantage goes to Monfils; thus, I expected this to be an easy victory for Monfils. Cuevas is a tough competitor; however, he does not have enough weapons to counter the attack of a fully engaged Monfils. Monfils kept his usual on-court antics to a relative minimum and maintained his focus completely on the tennis at hand. He served well and for the most part executed the majority of his shots well. Cuevas could not read Monfils’ serve and never had a break opportunity. He also could not deal with Monfils’ tactics off the ground. Monfils ended the match with an ace, sealing Cuevas’ fate. With the 6-3, 6-4 victory, Monfils will play Grigor Dimitrov in the next round.
