Dimitrov digs out of early danger against Fucsovics

Things were looking a little grim for Grigor Dimitrov at a set and a break down against Marton Fucsovics on Day 3 of the Australian Open Tuesday.

Playing one of the fittest men on tour under a scorching sun and 30 degree temperatures, the 32-year-old had much work ahead of him.

That's when it helps to have form and confidence on your side.

In his first outing since snapping a six-year title drought to win the ATP 250 title in Brisbane, Dimitrov began to get a better read on the Hungarian’s serve while significantly improving his own to pull away to a 4-6, 6-3. 7-6(1), 6-2 win in three hours and 27 minutes.

"Overall it was a good match," said Dimitrov in his post-match press conference. "I think for sure I could have done a lot of things better, but it's always tricky when you start a Slam. I have been doing a lot of work prior to the tournament as well. I was kind of hoping that I would have a better first match, but it is how it is. You need to go through those matches."

The Bulgarian, who is No. 13 in the Pepperstone Live ATP Rankings and less than 200 points away from a return to the Top 10 for the first time since late 2018, has won 11 of his past 12 matches dating back to his run to the final of the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris last November.

Locked in 🔒@GrigorDimitrov overcomes an early test against Fucsovics 4-6 6-3 7-6(1) 6-2.@AustralianOpen | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Lsy6bk3N2W

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 16, 2024

Hitting 39 winners to 55 unforced errors en route to pull level at 2-2 with Fucsovics in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals champion Dimitrov will look to tidy up his stats sheet in his second-round match against Thanasi Kokkinakis. The home favourite notched his first win of the 2024 season in dramatic fashion when he overcame Sebastian Ofner 7-6(1), 2-6, 6-7(4), 6-1, 7-6(8).

The World No. 80 Kokkinakis was outhit by 77 winners to 43 by Ofner, but the Australian held firm for a four-hour, 18-minute win with the help of 26 aces. He is now into the second round for the fifth time in eight appearances at his home major, but will be bidding to reach the third round for the first time when he takes on Dimitrov.

Also earning afternoon wins were 11th seed Casper Ruud and 19th seed Cameron Norrie.

Ruud defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the Melbourne second round for the fourth time in his fifth AO appearance. He now has four consecutive Lexus ATP Head2Head wins against the Spaniard after losing their first three tour-level meetings.

The Norwegian is competing in his second event of 2024 after opening the year with a perfect 3-0 singles record at the United Cup, where he helped his country reach the quarter-finals. 

Taking care of business 💼@CasperRuud98 knocks out Ramos-Vinolas 6-1 6-3 6-1 and advances to R2 in Melbourne!@AustralianOpen | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/HhW9GnbimB

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 16, 2024

Ruud, who saved all four break points against him in a comfortable victory against Ramos-Vinolas, will next face home favourite Max Purcell. The Aussie was a 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-4, 7-5 winner against Mate Valkusz on Tuesday.

Norrie broke serve five times in a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 win against Peru's Juan Pablo Varillas. It was a confident start for the Briton in his bid to reach the AO fourth round for the first time. Now 5-5 in his career at the year's first Grand Slam tournament, Norrie reached the third round in 2021 and 2023.

Can't hide the emotion 💪@cam_norrie has booked his spot in R2 after dismissing Varillas in straight sets 6-4 6-4 6-2.@AustralianOpen | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/1Jvye4MH8k

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 16, 2024

Like Ruud, Norrie also opened his 2024 season at the United Cup, where he notched a 1-1 record with a win against Alex de Minaur. Norrie withdrew from Auckland after an opening-round win with a wrist injury last week but quelled any lingering concerns with a convincing victory against Varillas.

Next up for the Briton is a meeting with 22-year-old Italian Giulio Zeppieri. Zeppieri, who qualified for his Australian Open debut, defeated Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) on Tuesday.