Grigor Dimitrov ends Istomin’s Open run

The swashbuckling Australian Open run of wildcard Denis Istomin has been ended by Grigor Dimitrov.

The Bulgarian 15th seed eased into a quarter-final meeting with David Goffin with a 2-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 6-1 defeat of Istomin, who was hampered by injury through the match.

Istomin received regular medical attention for hip and hamstring issues and faded out of the contest badly.

The Uzbek’s loss was Dimitrov’s gain, who will now play David Goffin for a place in the semi-finals.

Dimitrov has been one of the form players of the new season, winning the Brisbane International and impressing at Melbourne Park.

He said he wasn’t doing anything different in this off-season, under new coach Dani Vallverdu – a previous coach of Andy Murray.

“I think I was just very, very composed and I had a good structure with my team. We were focusing I think on the right things,” he said.

“I’ve learned a lot of new things about myself, I think, starting to work with Dani.

“Had quite a few big talks. We discussed what we can do better, what we need to work on, what we need to improve, and how we want to be in 2017.

“I started believing a little bit more in myself.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling. I’m not lying.

“Quarter-finals of a slam, it’s great. I’m happy that I’m capable to do that. Just looking forward to the next (match).”

Istomin was barely in the third and fourth sets after giving up early breaks, losing in two hours and 25 minutes.

But the 30-year-old equalled his best grand slam result in reaching the fourth round, and recorded his best career win to knock out Novak Djokovic in the second round.

Istomin will benefit from a $220,000 cheque and a huge rankings jump, which should allow him to qualify directly for the rest of the year’s majors.

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