Stan Wawrinka reacts after thrilling Wimbledon comeback against Grigor Dimitrov
STAN WAWRINKA says it was mentally tough to come from behind to beat Grigor Dimitrov at Wimbledon.
Three-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka was unseeded and headed into the competition as the most dangerous opponent for the top-32 players.
Dimitrov was the unfortunate man to be drawn against the Swiss ace but he made light work of the challenge in front of him by storming to 6-1 first set win.
Wawrinka struck back by taking the second-set tiebreak 7-6 (3) before making a stunning comeback in the third set.
The world No 224 came from 4-1 and a break point down in the third to win another tiebreak.
Grigor is a tough player to beat and I knew it would be difficult
He then took that momentum into the fourth as he got the vital break to win 6-4.
No 6 seed Dimitrov was shell-shocked and suffered a shock early exit – but Wawrinka was buzzing with his turn around.
“To move that well and feel better was a good sign,” Wawrinka said.
“Grigor is a tough player to beat and I knew it would be difficult.
“It was mentally tough and a big surprise after losing the first set like that.
“I was not playing my best tennis at the beginning and it was an amazing comeback.
“I think I will do everything to be ready for the next one.
“I am going to be tired and have fatigue tomorrow but when you win it helps your body to recover.”