Grigor Dimitrov’s first-round match at the US Open turned into an unexpected classic, with the Bulgarian outlasting Alex Molcan in a 6-7 (9), 6-7 (5), 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (9) war. That was the first time Dimitrov has ever won when facing a two-set deficit, and he also saved three match points. It was incredible to watch him claw his way back in the match, but it was also a little alarming to see him struggling against a player like Molcan. And one would have to think that Dimitrov will now be exhausted when he faces Andy Murray, who was on the court for an hour and 40 minutes less in his straight-set win over Corentin Moutet. (His 200th win at the Grand Slam level.)
It could make a huge difference. Murray is a player that gives maximum effort on every single point, so he needs his tank to be as full as can be in order to beat a player like Dimitrov. Meanwhile, Dimitrov isn’t a player that has been all that trustworthy on big stages, so he’ll be in trouble if he’s anything less than 100% here.
