Grigor Dimitrov eased past American Tommy Paul, 6-4, 6-3, 6-1, to avenge a heartbreaking loss at the hands of the 23-year-old at this year’s Australian Open. The Bulgarian, one of the stories of the 2019 US Open thanks to a stunning takedown of five-time champion Roger Federer in the quarterfinals, has hit the ground running with a performance that was on point from first ball to last. 

"I was just trying to stay in the moment, and be present," Dimitrov said on court after his victory. "I had a very clear game plan."

Dimitrov broke once and saved all six break points he faced in the first set to set the tone, and he continued to take the air out of Paul’s bubble in the second set as he broke twice and never faced a break point.

Dimitrov quickly raced ahead 3-0 in the third set and when Paul failed to convert a break point to get back on serve with Dimitrov serving at 3-1, the court became even more tilted in the world No. 20’s favor. He broke for 5-1 and served out the lopsided victory in one hour and 50 minutes.

WHAT IT MEANS: Dimitrov’s stellar performance points to a full recovery from COVID-19, which is a positive sign for the No.14 seed. He was diagnosed with the virus after playing on the Adria Tour in the Balkans in June, and in late July while playing at Patrick Mouratoglou’s Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Nice, he admitted that he was still struggling to make a complete recovery.

"I’m very pleased just to be able to compete again," Dimitrov said on court after the match, adding: "It’s on the come-up. Hopefully in the next week I can progress and get well, and play even better. Why not?"

Dimitrov’s impressive form demonstrates that he is comfortable with the speedy surface at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and his success on Tuesday could be a sign that the Bulgarian is primed to make another electric run in New York. Dimitrov used his serve well, winning 42 of 50 first serve points, and also made use of his all-court game, taking 15 of 20 points at the net.

MATCH POINT: Paul picked up his first two Grand Slam wins at the Australian Open this winter, but he has yet to solve the riddle of the US Open. The American drops to 0-3 lifetime in New York with his loss./US Open