MADRID 2013: Dimitrov Stuns Djokovic in 3-set Upset!

Grigor Dimitrov, one of only a handful of players to win a set from Rafael Nadal on clay in Monte Carlo in the last decade, and possibly more well-known for his good looks and rumored to be dating Maria Sharapova, actualized his on-court talent with a stunning 7-6(6) 6-7(8) 6-3 win over world #1 Noval Djokovic in the 2nd round of the ATP Madrid Masters. The win was the biggest of the 21-year-old's career and was the longest 3-set match of the year n the ATP tour. It was especially impressive considering that Dimitrov started cramping in the 2nd(!) set but still managed to get an early break in the 3rd set and was able to nurse that 2-0 lead to gut out the win against the best player in the world.

Most observers said that Djokovic was not at his best, but it was still an important psychological win for the World #28, widely expected to become one of the best players in the next generation of players currently under-22 that includes Milos Raonic, Bernard Tomic and Jerzy Jankowicz. Dimitrov has yet to win an ATP Tour title, something Tomic and Raonic have done. Despite winning Monte Carlo over Nadal a few weeks ago, Djokovic has suffered some shock defeats this year, such as against Juan Martin del Potro in Indian Wells and Tommy Haas in Miami.

In other happenings in Madrid, 2012 defending champion Roger Federer won his first match in over 8 weeks when he defeated Radek Stepanek 6-3 6-3. Andy Murray won his 400th career ATP Tour match with a gripping 7-6(11) 7-6(3) win over Florian Mayer.