Grigor Dimitrov downs Dominic Thiem. Alexander Zverev marches in Melbourne

Former semi-finalists Grigor Dimitrov and Alexander Zverev are through to the final eight in Melbourne following straight-set victories over the last year's finalist Dominic Thiem and Dusan Lajovic.

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Grigor Dimitrov had a wonderful day at the office, toppling world no. 3 Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 in two hours and one minute. The Austrian survived Nick Kyrgios scare two days ago, but it took too much energy out of him, looking flat today and spraying way too many errors. Firing ten aces, Grigor got broken twice and scored seven return games from 15 opportunities to control the scoreboard and leave the better-ranked rivals miles behind, especially in the decider.

From 3-1 up in the first set, Dominic lost five of the next six games to drop the advantage and held the opening set to the Bulgarian. Dimitrov bounced back with breaks in games five and seven and closed the set with a hold at 30 in game ten for 6-4. The Austrian defended five break points at the beginning of the second set to stay alive, opening a 3-1 lead like in the opener and losing pace after suffering two breaks and pushing the opponent further in front.

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Remaining calm, Dimitrov pulled the break back in game five and claimed 12 of the last 13 points to storm over Thiem and grab the set 6-4. With nothing working his way, Dominic won only six points in the third set to experience a bagel and propel Grigor over the finish line in style.

The 6th seed Alexander Zverev is through to his fifth Major quarter-final and the second in a row in Melbourne, beating Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 7-6, 6-3 in two hours and 21 minutes. Alexander combined 15 aces with 44 winners and 33 unforced errors, getting broken twice and earning four breaks to seal the deal in straight sets and avoid spending more time on the court.

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