Dimitrov bests Wawrinka, Isner continues trend in Acapulco

Following five successive losses dating back to Wimbledon in 2018, seventh seed Grigor Dimitrov finally got the better of Stan Wawrinka.

The 2014 champion prevailed 6-4 6-4 in the quarterfinals at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, improving his career record to 4-7 against the Swiss superstar.

The Bulgarian came out swinging freely, breaking Wawrinka to love in the opening service game. Although the third seed broke back to tie the score at 3-3, he was immediately broken by Dimitrov, who went on to serve out the first set after 45 minutes.

Wawrinka remained even with his opponent, until Dimitrov increased his intensity at 2-2 in the second set. Applying pressure from both wings, Dimitrov was able to break Wawrinka to love. The World No.22 never looked back and served out the match after an hour and 25 minutes.

Dimitrov will face the winner between Rafael Nadal and South Korean Soonwoo Kwon, who upset eighth-seeded Serbian Dusan Lajovic in the previous round.

Fifth seed John Isner defeated compatriot Tommy Paul 7-6(3) 3-6 6-2 to advance to his second consecutive semifinal in Acapulco. The towering American hit 22 aces, although Paul was able to break his serve thanks to two double faults in the fourth game of the second set.

Isner takes on countryman Taylor Fritz in the semifinals, as the American surged past Kyle Edmund 6-4 6-3 to reach his first semifinal of the year. Isner lost their most recent encounter in Auckland last year, but still leads 2-1 in career meetings.

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