In-form Dimitrov battles past Gasquet in Paris

• What Happened: 2019 semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov defeated Richard Gasquet in three sets to reach the second round at Paris.
• Why it matters: The Bulgarian has been a solid performer of late on the ATP Tour, reaching semi-finals at San Diego and Indian Wells.
• You will also learn: Which former Paris Masters champion Dimitrov faces in round two.

ATP1000 Paris | Draw | Schedule

Grigor Dimitrov continued his run of fine form by notching a hard-fought 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 victory over 35-year-old Richard Gasquet on Tuesday in Bercy. The Bulgarian, ranked 30, needed one hour and 45 minutes to earn his fourth victory in nine career meetings over Gasquet.

In their first meeting since 2017 (which was also in Paris), Dimitrov made it four consecutive wins over Gasquet, cracking 25 winners against 16 unforced errors, including 13 off the forehand wing. Gasquet struggled to hit the mark and went into the red statistically, producing 22 winners against 38 unforced errors.

The veteran Frenchman did make it a contest, however. After Gasquet squared things by taking the middle set, Dimitrov was forced to up his level. He played a dominant third set, not facing a single break point and converting two of five break points, one in the first game of the set and the final in the seventh game, which gave him the double-break led.

Dimitrov improves to 23-17 on the season – he has won eight of his last 11 matches on tour.

Khachanov next

Dimitrov’s victory sets a second-round clash with 2018 Rolex Paris Masters champion Karen Khachanov.

The pair have met just once, with Dimitrov coming away victorious in Vienna last season, 7-6(6), 6-3.