Dimitrov Lost the Final in Orléans

In a tied match for the title of the ATP Challenger in Orléans, France, Grigor Dimitrov lost to Nicolas Mahut of France 6-2 6-7(6) 6-7(4).

In the first set Grigor Dimitrov broke the very first game of Mahut to 1-0, quickly took the second service game to 0. Mahut took his service game to 2-1. Grigor took another service game to love - 3-1 as the aces of Grigor were already 4. Mahut served and took the following game to 3-2. Then followed another game won by Grigor to 0, Grigor succeeded to win the first break-point of the next game to 5-2. Then Mahut got the chance to break Grigor's game which was saved. Grigor closed the set with score of 6-2 and 6 aces.

The second set started with service game by Mahut won to 0. 2 aces scored by Grigor helped him to quickly take his service game to 1-1. Both players took the next service games to 2-2. Grigor saved another break-point and eventually took his game to 3-3. After Mahut took his service game Grigor also took his to 0. Both players continued to win their service games to 5-5 and then 6-6. In the tie-break Grigor had the first match ball when Mahut was serving 6-5 but lost 6-8.

Grigor had no poblems to take the first game of the third set to 1-0. Grigor missed the chance to break when he was leading 3-2. With the following service games won the score became 6-6. The tie-break started with extremely attactive points by both players. While leading 6-4 in the tie-break Mahut took the next point, the match and the title.

The brilliant participation of Dimitrov in the tournament brought him 75 ranking points which would move him to around 113 position. He also won 9000 EUR of the prize money of the tournament.

The next tournaments where Dimitrov applied for participation are 2 challengers in Germany - in Eckental from 1 November, 30'000 EUR, and in Aachen from 8 November, 42'500 EUR.