Wilander calls Dimitrov a nightmare opponent for Murray: "It didn't look like he had the weapons"

Former world number one Mats Wilander believes that Britain’s Andy Murray did not have any idea how to get the better of Grigor Dimitrov.

The 36-year-old’s journey in the US Open 2023 came to an end after suffering a thumping defeat in straight sets to Dimitrov with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.

Wilander, while talking to Eurosport, stated that Bulgaria’s tennis star was a nightmare for Murray who looked short of ideas in the tie.

“It looked like Andy Murray was going to be in for a long match, trying to move Grigor around a lot and take his legs, but he didn’t,” said the seven-time Grand Slam winner. “It was just a great match; Grigor was moving brilliantly. I look at it as Grigor Dimitrov might be playing the best tennis of his career. An excellent job today in three sets.

“The older guys and women, the first set is crucial as you can relax a little bit but it didn’t look like he had the weapons to hurt Dimitrov. Grigor was hitting sliced backhand after sliced backhand and he didn’t miss and he felt like he could go forever. He has been playing great tennis the last couple of years but he is far from a veteran on Tour.

“You need a break or you need to win that first set, then it feels natural to fire yourself up or you’re looking at the scoreboard. I think Andy Murray keeps playing and pushing and hopefully he won’t run into players who play like Grigor today. I’m wondering if when Grigor plays the young guys, it might be a bit more difficult as an athlete but today the game plan was spot on I think.”

Dimitrov will now face Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the round of 32 clash of the mega-event on Saturday.