Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov won his second ATP title of the year on Sunday when he defeated Lukas Rosol of the Czech Republic 7-6 (7/2), 6-1 in the final of the Bucharest Open.
Ranked 16th in the world going into this week, Dimitrov, who previously had won in Acapulco where he defeated Andy Murray in the semi-finals, struggled against the big-hitting Rosol in the first set.
The Bulgarian took a 2-0 lead in what was the pair’s first meeting, but defending champion Rosol bounced back immediately.
Rosol saved four set points from 15/40 at 5-6, before Dimitrov dominated the tie-break to wrap up the first set in 58 minutes.
He then maintained the momentum by taking a 2-0 lead in the second set and broke Rosol for a third time, to love at 1-3 as he moved on to his 20th match win of 2014.
“It feels good to have won,” said Dimitrov who now has three career titles.
“I knew I had to lift my level, especially after the first set. Lukas is a very good player, who hit some outstanding winners.
“I have worked really hard to start winning titles. I have put in enough effort, time and sacrifices to get here.â€
Dimitrov had reached the final on Saturday when his French opponent, Gael Monfils, retired after just 16 minutes of their semi-final.