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Grigor Dimitrov Poised For 2018 Barcelona Open Run

By Harry Floyd

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - APRIL 20: Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in action in his singles match against David Goffin of Belgium during say six of ATP Masters Series: Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 20, 2018 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - APRIL 20: Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in action in his singles match against David Goffin of Belgium during say six of ATP Masters Series: Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 20, 2018 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Grigor Dimitrov wins his opener and sends a strong message to the field in men’s singles at the 2018 Barcelona Open this week.

Last week, Rafael Nadal got the best of Grigor Dimitrov in the semifinals at the 2018 Monte-Carlo Masters. Nadal, a dominant player at both Monte-Carlo and the Barcelona Open, was the favorite there and remains the favorite this week. Dimitrov does, however, deliver a solid victory during his opener at the Barcelona Open this week.

It’s the Bulgarian tennis star who emerges on top after his meeting with French veteran Gilles Simon. Dimitrov wins with ease, going 6-2, 6-1.

Up next for the Bulgarian great is Malek Jaziri of Tunisia. Dimitrov is the second seed at the Barcelona Open. While Nadal is the top seed and heavy favorite, the world No. 5 appears poised for his first title-win on the 2018 ATP World Tour. He is coming off of an ATP Finals title at the end of 2017 and has remained atop the rankings in men’s singles ever since.

Next: 2018 French Open Favorites

Grigor Dimitrov must contend with the likes of both Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem.

The Austrian tennis star also wins his opener. All three of the tournament’s top seeds have advanced thus far. Surprise losses came to both Novak Djokvic and Kei Nishikori. Djokovic is still continuing his comeback from an elbow injury that appears to be bothering him yet again. Nishikori, a two-time champion in Barcelona, had to retire during his match due to his lingering wrist injury. With them out of the picture, Dimitrov and Thiem will be fighting to knock off the defending champion Nadal. It’s the King of Clay’s tournament to lose though.Stay tuned to see if Grigor Dimitrov can continue his solid opening play in his next match on Thursday and check back to see how far defending champ Nadal can advance at the 2018 Barcelona Open. The ATP World Tour is rapidly approaching the French Open and top players are looking to gain momentum heading into action at Roland Garros.

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