ATP Shanghai Masters: Andy Roddick vs. Grigor Dimitrov

Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick of USA will take on Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in a second-round encounter of the 2011 Shanghai ATP Masters. Both contenders were pushed to three sets in their first-round match, here at Shanghai. Thus, we can expect some stunning tennis action, when these two will take on each other on Tuesday.

Coming off first-round exit at China Open a few days ago, former World No. 1 Andy Roddick of USA brought all his experience on the forefront to avoid early damage here at the 2011 Shanghai ATP Masters on Monday, as he came back from a set deficit to beat qualifier Yen-Hsun Lu 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.

With this victory Roddick improved to a 29-13 match record on the season. In the second-round, he will take on Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who also came from a set deficit to rally past Turkish qualifier Marsel Ilhan 2-6, 6-1, 6-4. Roddick made a good start to the new season, as he reached the final at Brisbane, but fell in the fourth-round at Aussie Open. The American made a fine progress after that as he clinched his 30th tour-level title in Memphis. After a poor showing at Wimbledon, Roddick reach the quarterfinal at US Open, where he lost to Rafael Nadal.

Roddick’s opponent Grigor Dimitrov is currently ranked as World No. 72 in ATP Rankings. Dimitrov has a 16-23 win-loss record for the season and he is still chasing his maiden title on tour. The Bulgarian has a very successful junior career, as he has won Wimbledon and US Open junior titles. Earlier this year, he reached the second-round at Aussie Open, but failed to move beyond the first-round at any other Major this season.

This will be a first-meeting between these two. Though, Roddick looks crushing favourite in this match, the American has developed a tendency to lose to lesser known players over the years. Thus, we can never rule out an upset when it comes to Roddick.