Grigor Dimitrov suffered a bruising defeat to Alex de Minaur (Image: Tennis TV)
Grigor Dimitrov left commentators “shocked and speechless” as suffered a double-bagel defeat for the first time in his career. The world No. 18 was seeking his third semi-final appearance at the Monte-Carlo Masters but he was blown off the court by Alex de Minaur.
The Australian, who is seeded eighth this week, needed just 44 minutes to send Dimitrov packing. It’s also the first time De Minaur has ever won a match 6-0 6-0, and he’s now through to his second career semi-final at Masters 1000 level.
It was a horrible day at the office for Dimitrov, the No. 15 seed in Monte-Carlo. The Bulgarian had struggled in his matches earlier this week, dropping sets to Monegasque wildcard Valentin Vacherot, and to Alejandro Tabilo.
Dimitrov knew he needed to raise his level after advancing to the quarter-final. But things didn’t go to plan and he was handed the worst loss of his 16-year career.
De Minaur raced through the first set in just 23 minutes and continued his demolition job in set two as Dimitrov struggled to win a point and hit only one winner in the entire match.
The Monte-Carlo Country Club fell silent as the Australian stepped up to serve for the match, and he sealed a shocking 6-0 6-0 victory with just 44 minutes on the clock.
Dimitrov made a swift exit off the court as the commentators attempted to gather their thoughts.
“Shocked is the right word, to be honest. I’m… shocked and speechless,” former world No. 21 Gilles Muller said.
“We all knew that it was going to be a tough match for Dimitrov but we didn’t expect this.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
