Grigor Dimitrov reflects on disappointing Australian Open round-of-16 exit

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Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov was a bit lost for words after his Australian Open round-of-16 loss suffered to rising American star Frances Tiafoe. Tiafoe, ranked at No. 39 in the world, defeated No. 20 seed Dimitrov 7-5 7-6 (6) 6-7 (1) 7-5.

The Bulgarian came from a break down in the first set to level the things to 5-5 but then lost the following two games. World No. 21 Dimitrov then blew a break and three set points during the second set. The 20th-seeded Bulgarian recovered from a break down in the third set to force a tie-break — which he easily won.

Dimitrov blew three break points during the fourth set before Tiafoe got the crucial break in the 11th game of the set. The result is obvious. Its strange. Strange, for sure. I dont know. Im a bit lost for words right now coming right after the match, Dimitrov said post-match.

I mean, all credit to him. Fought well, played well. Went for his shots, lived a bit on the edge with a lot of games. Just took advantage of that situation. The head-to-head between Dimitrov and Tiafoe now stands at 1-1.

I mean, Im a man of honour. When somebody beats me, it is the way it is. I mean, also its his first time. Just needs to appreciate it, you know, move on. Thats just how it is, Dimitrov acknowledged, when asked about what did he say to Tiafoe at the net.

Every tournament, were all coming after. Thats just the way it is. Just wished him best of luck, for sure, keep on going the same way. Dimitrov, 27, has once again failed to win his maiden Grand Slam title.

I think its a little bit early to think about it. I mean, I think first I need to reassess that match just because, I mean, I know I havent competed much in the past month. That was, for sure, lack of certain moments today that I just wasnt able to convert or play well for that matter, Dimitrov said, when asked if hes able to think of any positive things.

Im kind of focusing on the negatives right now more than the positives. But hopefully after a couple of days, I can just think maybe what I did right, what I did wrong, what was good, what was bad. Obviously right now its a very strange feeling.

I mean, Ive had matches in the past that have been up and down. I wasnt able to kind of convert things around. Today was just very, I think, strange. Its like almost one of the first matches, strange to the extent that I wasnt able to just go through those little tricky moments.

Yeah, it is what it is right now. Also read: Kei Nishikori reflects on Australian Open win over Joao Sousa