Grigor Dimitrov is through to the third round at Wimbledon after defeating Jakub Mensik 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. The 35-year-old wildcard will face Matteo Berrettini next.
The result carries extra weight because Dimitrov’s previous Wimbledon ended in tears when a right pectoral injury stopped him from completing a match against Jannik Sinner. A roof interruption during this latest win brought back memories of that moment, but this time Dimitrov finished the job.
Ranked 146th, Dimitrov has had a difficult year since that injury, including a missed US Open, a delayed tour return and early exits at the Australian Open and French Open qualifying. His run at Wimbledon now gives him a rare stretch of momentum after a period defined by physical setbacks.
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, Alexander Zverev beat Valentin Royer in straight sets to set up a meeting with Marcos Giron. Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur also advanced with straight-sets victories.
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