Grigor Dimitrov
IN PHOTO: Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria celebrates after winning his match against Steve Johnson of the U.S.A. at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, July 1, 2015. REUTERS/Henry Browne REUTERS/Henry Browne

Last year’s semifinalist Grigor Dimitrov and 2007 semifinalist Richard Gasquet will clash in the third round of the 2015 Wimbledon Championships. Dimitrov dispatched American Steve Johnson in straight sets 7-6 6-2 7-6, while Gasquet advanced after defeating fellow compatriot Kenny de Schepper also in straight sets 6-0 6-3 6-3 on day three of the grand slam event at the All England Club.

Dimitrov has only made the third round of the Wimbledon Championships once, since making his debut in the tournament five years ago, and that was last year when he made it to the semifinals at the All England Club. Determined to claim his first-ever grand slam trophy, the Bulgarian scored 47 winners, which include 15 aces, over Johnson to move on to the next round.

Dimitrov was playing in his second grasscourt event following his shocking early exit at the Aegon Championships at Queen’s, where he was the defending champion. Ahead of his upcoming clash with Gasquet, Dimitrov said via ATPWorldTour.com that he is not thinking about his winless record against the Frenchman. According to the World No. 11, he has changed since the last time he played Gasquet.

“I’m a different player,” Dimitrov said. “I feel that I’m coming into the match as a favourite to win, at the same time, I don’t have anything to lose, I need to get out there and play my game.”

When Dimitrov and Gasquet have contested in the past, the result has always been in favour of the Frenchman. On four out of four occasions, with their most recent meeting during the first round of the 2013 Rome Masters, Gasquet proved to be the better opponent.

This season, Gasquet has won two ATP 250 event titles, including the 2015 Millennium Estoril Open where he defeated Australian Nick Kyrios in the final. Going into the Wimbledon Championships, Gasquet has played one grasscourt event at the Aegon Championships at Queen’s, but he bid an early exit to Italian qualifier Simone Bolleli in the second round 6-1 6-2.

Dimitrov and Gasquet will certainly intensify their level of playing performance to further move ahead at the All England Club. The question is, who will be playing solid tennis to take down each other and gets the pass on to the last 32. The winner will face either Kyrgios or Milos Raonic next.

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