Dimitrov, Haase advance in Bangkok

Dimitrov, Haase advance in Bangkok Grigor Dimitrov got off to a winning start at the PTT Thailand Open with an upset of No. 5 seed Ivan Dodig.

Grigor Dimitrov def. Ivan Dodig (5) 6-2, 7-5

Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov broke a streak of two first round losses at the US Open and Metz in Bangkok this evening. The Bulgarian took out the No. 5 seed Ivan Dodig of Croatia.

Dimitrov started off the match in fine form with a pair of service breaks in the first set. The Bulgarian had three chances to break in the opening frame, converting two of them while Dodig never had a whiff at a break point.

Dodig looked as though he might forge a comeback in the second set. The Croat went up 2-0, but he could not serve well enough to hold off Dimitrov. The Bulgarian broke back to level the set and secured the second match-winning break as Dodig served to force a tiebreaker. Dimitrov will take on the winner of Ernests Gulbis and Simone Bolelli in the second round.

Robin Haase (7) def. Kittipong Wachiramanowong 6-3, 7-6(1)

Thailand’s own Kittipong Wachiramanowong put on a good show for the hometown crowd on opening day at the PTT Thailand Open. Wachiramanowong was able to keep close with the No. 7 seed for the second set, though his relative success was helped along by Robin Haase’s spotty form.

Haase served badly in the first set, with just one ace for the hard-hitting Dutchman and a 43% first serve percentage. Wachiramanowong was able to secure a break of the Haase serve, but he was sufficiently inconsistent on his own serve that Haase was able to secure a trio of breaks to take the lead.

Haase served better in the second set, with nine aces and 66% first serves in, but the Thai man was still able to secure a service break. Haase was dominant in the 'breaker, however, and dreams of an upset for the Thai fans came to a close.

The Dutchman awaits the winner of Jarkko Nieminen and Dominic thiem in the next round.