Grigor Dimitrov overcomes Marcos Baghdatis in five sets

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Was it a third-round men's singles match at the Australian Open or a football match between Greece and Bulgaria?

With the amount of noise coming from Court 3, where Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov played Greek-Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, it was hard to tell.

Baghdatis, the 2006 Australian Open finalist, has long drawn vocal support from Melbourne's large Greek community over the years, and his fans were out in force Friday, chanting, serenading and clapping vigorously for him in between every point.

Dimitrov's fans, clad in the green, white and red colors of Bulgaria's flag, were drowned out at times, but their man didn't need as much help. No. 1-seeded Dimitrov rallied from a set down to beat an inspired Baghdatis 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

"Marcos has always been a favorite guy out here," Dimitrov said. "I like it when the atmosphere is like that. Actually fills me up with positive thoughts. At the same time, it's nice to prove (the crowd) wrong."

The 29-year-old Baghdatis was once ranked as high as No. 8 in the world, but he's drawn more attention for his racket-smashing tantrums than his play in recent years. His ranking has slipped to No. 78.

After feeling "lost" for several years, he's enjoying tennis again and is aiming to return to the top 50 again.

"Somehow in my career, I stopped improving," he said. "I think I'm not so far, but it will take some time. I don't expect myself tomorrow to start winning Masters series."

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