Dimitrov stunned by Spanish qualifier in Rome

Wednesday, 12 May 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dimitrov has not won a clay-court title since 2014

ROME (AFP): Sixteenth seed Grigor Dimitrov crashed out of the Italian Open in the first round on Tuesday when he was beaten in straight sets by Spanish qualifier Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

The world number 48 saved two set points in the second set as he dismissed the 2014 semi-finalist Dimitrov 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) to win in one hour and 43 minutes.

Tenth seed Roberto Bautista Agut booked his place in the second round with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over American Tommy Paul.

World number one Novak Djokovic, the five-time champion in Rome, was set to meet Taylor Fritz in the second round later on Tuesday.

On the women's side, Argentinian Nadia Podoroska, ranked 44 in the world, assured herself of a second-round meeting with Serena Williams, playing her first event since the Australian Open, when she came from a set down to beat German Laura Siegemund 2-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1.

Madison Keys won the battle of the Americans when she overcame Sloane Stephens 4-6, 6-2, 7-5.