Grigor Dimitrov survived a five-set battle with Marcos Baghdatis to make it through to the Australian Open fourth-round today, as he registered a 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-3 win.
In a fluid and attacking opening set, Baghdatis frustrated his opponent with a series of fine winners to take the lead.
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Dimitrov responded with an early break of serve in the second set, before Baghdatis called for the trainer to help him deal with an apparent injury, after a subdued few games.
He improved after his short break but Dimitrov was still able to hold him off and level the match.
Baghdatis rallied in the third set and, although he failed with three break points in an earlier game, he broke Dimitrov and won it 6-3.
Just when it looked like a shock was on the cards, Dimitrov took the match to a deciding set and, as Baghdatis faded physically, he was able to grind out a five-set win.
Dimitrov will play either Andy Murray or Joao Sousa in the next round.
Charlie Bennett
