Wimbledon 2014: Next up for Andy Murray it’s the Bulgarian standard-bearer Grigor Dimitrov | The Independent Wimbledon 2014: Next up for Andy Murray it’s the Bulgarian standard-bearer Grigor Dimitrov The number 11 seed beat Leonardo Mayer in straight sets Monday 30 June 2014 20:20 BST Click to follow The Independent Online Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria celebrates after winning his Gentlemen's Singles fourth round match against Leonardo Mayer GETTY IMAGES Grigor Dimitrov booked a Wimbledon quarter-final date with defending champion Andy Murray by dismissing Leonardo Mayer in straight sets. Never mind famous Belgians, who can name many famous Bulgarians? Grigor Dimitrov, still best known outside Sofia as Maria Sharapova’s beau, will raise his profile further by becoming Andy Murray’s next opponent in tomorrow’s quarter-final here. Sharapova may not be his only admirer but Dimitrov, the 11th seed, struggled to rouse the Court One audience while beating Argentina’s Leo Mayer 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 on either side of a long rain delay yesterday.

Many spectators had understandably headed home when the covers came on just after 5.10pm, so there were empty seats by the resumption almost two hours later. Only when Dimitrov took his shirt off, produced a winner in one of the longer rallies or finally completed the victory was there much noise. Dimitrov won the first two points of the match with aces to set the tone of booming serves, and the only surprise of the first set was that a tie-break was not required.

The best pictures from Wimbledon 2014 The best pictures from Wimbledon 2014 1/55 Day 13 Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer pose with their trophies after the final GETTY IMAGES Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory over Roger Federer GETTY IMAGES 3/55 Day 13 Samuel L Jackson and Sofia Davis in the Royal Box on Centre Court before the Gentlemen's Singles Final Getty Images 4/55 Day 13 Prince William Duke of Cambridge talks with Chris Hoy in the Royal Box on Centre Court before the Gentlemen's Singles Final Getty Images 5/55 Day 13 Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Gill Brook wife of AELTC Chairman Philip Brook in the Royal Box on Centre Court before the Gentlemen's Singles Final Getty Images Roger Federer celebrates clinching the first set of the men's singles final on a tie-break Getty Images Petra Kvitova kisses the winner's Venus Rosewater Dish during the presentation after beating Eugenie Bouchard GETTY IMAGES The moment Petra Kvitova won the final against Eugenie Bouchard GETTY IMAGES Petra Kvitova and Eugenie Bouchard after their Wimbledon final GETTY IMAGES Petra Kvitova celebrates winning

 a point during the Wimbledon final Getty Images Maria Sharapova watches boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov during his semi-final with Novak Djokovic Getty Images 12/55 Day 11 Serbia's Novak Djokovic receives a ball before serving during his men's singles semi-final match against Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov GETTY IMAGES Grigor Dimitrov pictured during his semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic GETTY IMAGES Grigor Dimitrov pictured during his semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic GETTY IMAGES 15/55 Day 10 Novak Djokovic of Serbia during a practice session as fans watch the action on day ten of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club Getty Images 16/55 Day 10 Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic celebrates after winning her Ladies' Singles semi-final match against Lucie Safarova of Czech Republic on day ten of Wimbledon Getty Images Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after winning his Gentlemen's Singles quarter-final match against Marin Cilic GETTY IMAGES The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watch Andy Murray lose at Wimbledon GETTY IMAGES Andy Murray pictured during his defeat to Gregor Dimitrov GETTY IMAGES Andy Murray pictured during his defeat

 to Gregor Dimitrov GETTY IMAGES Gregor Dimitrov celebrates his win over Andy Murray GETTY IMAGES Canada's Eugenie Bouchard celebrates winning her women's singles quarter-final match against Germany's Angelique Kerber GETTY IMAGES Romania's Simona Halep celebrates winning her women's singles quarter-final match against Germany's Sabine Lisicki GETTY IMAGES Sabine Lisicki during her defeat to Simona Halep of Romania GETTY IMAGES Australia's Nick Kyrgios celebrates winning a game against Spain's Rafael Nadal GETTY IMAGES Nadal pictured during his defeat to Nick Kyrgios GETTY IMAGES Rafael Nadal of Spain during his fourth round defeat against Nick Kyrgios GETTY IMAGES 28/55 Day 8 Serena Williams receives treatment during the warm up before her second round doubles match with sister Venus before retiring GETTY IMAGES 29/55 Day 8 Maria Sharapova of Russia stands dejected during her Ladies' Singles fourth round defeat against Angelique Kerber GETTY IMAGES 30/55 Day 8 John Peers of Australia (l) and Jamie Murray of Great Britain (r) during their Gentlemen's Doubles third round defeat GETTY IMAGES Roger Federer during his Gentlemen's Singles fourth

 round victory over Tommy Robredo GETTY IMAGES Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga GETTY IMAGES Andy Murray after his victory over Kevin Anderson GETTY IMAGES Sir Alex Ferguson watches Andy Murray in action GETTY IMAGES Support for Andy Murray on Centre Court GETTY IMAGES 36/55 Day 7 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria celebrates after winning his Gentlemen's Singles fourth round match against Leonardo Mayer GETTY IMAGES 37/55 Day 7 Eugenie Bouchard of Canada celebrates after winning her Ladies' Singles fourth round match against Alize Cornet GETTY IMAGES Eugenie Bouchard receives support on Centre Court GETTY IMAGES 39/55 Day 7 Japan's Kei Nishikori signs autographs after winning his men's singles third round match against Italy's Simon Bolelli GETTY IMAGES 40/55 Day 6 Kazakhstan's Yaroslava Shvedova (L) and US player Madison Keys (R) switch sides during their women's singles third round match on day six of 2014 Wimbledon Getty Images Serena Williams fails to find the answers as she crashes out of Wimbledon GETTY IMAGES Six hours of play were lost on Saturday GETTY IMAGES 

43/55 Day 6 Maria Sharapova started slowly against the American Alison Riske but ran out a 6-3, 6-0 winner AFP Andy Murray in action during his victory over Roberto Bautista GETTY IMAGES Kim Sears watches Andy Murray in action during his victory over Roberto Bautista GETTY IMAGES Ricky Gervais watches Andy Murray in action during his victory over Roberto Bautista GETTY IMAGES Novak Djokovic tumbles during his victory over Gilles Simon GETTY IMAGES Novak Djokovic in action against Gilles Simon GETTY IMAGES The roof is closed for the first time of the 2014 Wimbledon championships GETTY IMAGES 50/55 Day 4 Roger Federer heads off Centre Court to await the roof to come over during his win over Gilles Muller GETTY IMAGES 51/55 Day 4 Britain's Heather Watson (R) looks on during her women's singles second round defeat to Germany's Angelique Kerber GETTY IMAGES 52/55 Day 4 Maria Sharapova of Russia in action during her Ladies' Singles second round victory against Timea Bacsinszky GETTY IMAGES 53/55 Day 4 Andy Murray walks out to

 start a practice session on day four of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships GETTY IMAGES 54/55 Day 4 Ana Ivanovic of Serbia celebrates after winning her Ladies' Singles second round match against Jie Zheng GETTY IMAGES Andy Murray vs Grigor Dimitrov, Wimbledon 2014: live - Telegraph 02 Jul 2014 Murray 1-6, 6-7, 2-6 Dimitrov* Staring a mini-break down following two more unforced errors, Murray gets his act together sending down an ace but follows it up with another double fault to hand Dimitrov two match points.

The crowd try to gee up the defending champ. Murray saves the first with a cracking forehand deep in the corner with one foot lifted in the air. But he can't save a second as he slaps a return into the net. DIMITROV BREAKS TO BEAT DEFENDING CHAMPION MURRAY AND REACHES THE SEMI-FINALS. Murray 1-6, 6-7, 2-5 Dimitrov* Dimitrov strolls to 30-0 and seemingly lets his imagination get away with him as he throws in a double fault and an unforced error. He won't be taken to deuce as Murray throws in his own error and Dimitrov takes it with, you got it, an ace. Murray serves to stay in these championships. Greg Rusedski's verdict: There seems to be no way back for Murray. Can Grigor hold his nerve? Has not beeen a good performance from Andy today. Murray* 1-6, 6-7, 2-4 Dimitrov In a comfortable position at 40-15, Murray throws in a couple of errors and is pegged back to deuce.

A cough in the crowd throws Murray's concentration as he shapes to serve and his focus is lost as he sends a backhand into the tramlines and is staring at another break point, the first of this set. The British No 1 hands the No 11 seed the break with a double fault and the Bulgarian is two games away from his first ever grand slam semi-final. DIMITROV BREAKS. Murray 1-6, 6-7, 2-3 Dimitrov* Murray still has the fight left in him despite being second best here today. He hangs in another lenghthy rally, makes a great pick up at the net which somehow Dimitrov gets back. Murray scampers back to make Dimitrov play one more point and then smashes into the empty advantage side for 30-all. Phew. Murray succumbs on the next point, but hangs in the game for deuce when Dimitrov sends another return long. Dimitrov responds with an ace but then shanks a return to bring the Brit back to a second deuce. Murray blinks first after a baseline slug-fest on the next, his racket is starting to feel the pressure as a string breaks under the strain.

His new one doesn't do the trick and Dimitrov finally saves the day. Greg Rusedski's verdict: Dimitrov is dictating this match. Murray needs to take control and start bossing this match. It's very similar to his match against Verdasco last year. He needs to dig deep and when the ball is there to hit, take it on. He has to be more aggressive. The backhand down the line missing today - the key shot when you have Dimitrov pinned In the backhand corner.The only problem is Dimitrov is stronger mentally than Verdasco. Murray* 1-6, 6-7, 2-2 Dimitrov Finally a strong service game to 15 as Murray throws in a couple of forehand winner. Now he just has to make inroads into Dimitrov's serve. Murray 1-6, 6-7, 1-2 Dimitrov* It's all too comfortable on Dimitrov's serve this set as he romps to 40-0 and then dances into a forehand which he hits deep into the corner and is too good for Murray to get back. An easy hold.

Murray* 1-6, 6-7, 1-1 Dimitrov There's no stopping the Dimitrov-train as he gets down low at the net to make a backhand volley for 15-0. Murray makes him work hard on the next point, cutting short the rally with a drop shot which Dimitrov does his best to chase down but fails. Murray is a lucky boy on the next point, appearing to be rather too passive and allowing Dimitrov back into the point but from almost dead and buried he twirls and executes an overhead smash. Dimitrov won't go away and pulls back to 30-all but Murray finally goes on the front foot and takes two straight points to wrap up the game. Murray 1-6, 6-7, 0-1 Dimitrov* Looking like a straightforward game for Dimitrov, Murray pegs him back to 30-all but then flashes a backhand into the tramlines and the Bulgarian has a let-off. Murray valiantly hangs in the next rally, batting away a couple of overhead smashes but at the third attempt, Dimitrov finally gets one past his rival and he's on the board this third set.

Murray 1-6, 6-7 Dimitrov (tie-break) Murray loses serve on the first as he's caught off balance on the baseline and miscues his return. No drama, he breaks back for 1-1 on the next but then slaps a casual return into the net. Murray pins Dimitrov behind the baseline on the next and shows remarkable patience to avoid becoming too aggressive and the Bulgarian can't get himself out of trouble. And when Murray sends down another strong first serve, he hands over the sevice baton at 3-2 up. Some tip-tapping later leads to an injection of pace from Dimitrov to bring the breaker all-square at the changeover. Murray challenges an ace down the T but it's a waste. It ddoesn't bother him as he goes on the frontfoot to dispatch a smash and we're at 4-4. A great pass from Dimitrov gives the Bulgarian the edge as he makes a mini-break. Now he has two serves to take a two-sets-to-love lead. He steadily makes his way to the net as he makes inroads on Murray's short returns to execute a deft drop shot and sets up three set points.

He only needs one as he sends a deep volley to the baseline which Murray manages to pick up but hits into the net. DIMITROV WINS TIE-BREAK TO TAKE TWO SETS TO LOVE LEAD. Murray* 1-6, 6-6 Dimitrov Dimitrov is looking sound on his serve again. Sending down his fifth ace of the match and following it up with an unreturnable first serve and comfortable volley at the net for two game points. The game is his with an outswinging slower ace. Tie-break, here we go. Murray* 1-6, 6-5 Dimitrov Dimitrov swings at a slower first serve from Murray and the return whizzes past the Brit as his rival edges to a mini-break. With the sun in his eyes this nearside of the court, Murray gets involved in a baseline rally, thinks about advancing to the net but changes his mind and it's costly as he strikes the net to hand Dimitrov two break points. A big, big first serve and volley saves the first one. And he's back to deuce when Dimitrov can't handle a second successive first serve.

An 130mph ace takes Murray to advantage and he finally has the game when he works Dimitrov around the baseline, firing a forehand into the corner which Dimitrov manages to retrieve only to send him into the other corner and then is on top of the net to put away the volley. A great and important hold. Murray 1-6, 5-5 Dimitrov* Dimitrov is starting to look nervous out there now and throws in a double fault to bring Murray back to 30-all. The British No 1 goes for a big cross-court winner on the next point but hits wide and then can't control a first serve return and we're ever nearer to a second set tie-break. Murray* 1-6, 5-4 Dimitrov Dimitrov's levels take a dip as Murray turns aggressor, but it's still the first serve proving problematic for the Brit. Murray hangs in a rally at 15-all after a shanked return from Dimitrov and he shows good patience to wait for the Bulgarian to hit long.

Murray slaps his head rather aggressively after missing a regulation forehand to bring Dimitrov back to 30-all and he crucially stays toe-to-toe with the Bulgarian on the next slug-fest of 31 strokes at the baseline - the longest of the match- as Dimitrov is finally worn down. A timely ace wraps up the game. Murray is finally in this match after an hour and five minutes. Greg Rusedski's verdict: Finally Murray is getting it right, breaks back after another error on the backhand side from Dimitrov. The momentum is with Murray and he has to keep it going and get rid of the nerves - this could be the turning point. Murray 1-6, 4-4 Dimitrov* Murray hasn't been involved in a real battle this fortnight but he's in one of the biggest fights of his Wimbledon career right here. The British No 1 moves a mini-break infront, but Dimitrov recovers with his third ace of the match and sends down an unreturnable first serve at 130mph out wide for 30-all. Murray shanks a forehand on the baseline on the next and looks completely out of sorts today.

He's given a let-off when Dimitrov throws in a couple of errors and from no-where, Murray has scrambled his way to break point. Dimitrov misses a first serve and Murray jumps on the second and forcing Dimitrov to hit into the tramlines. He has broken the Bulgarian for the first time this match. MURRAY BREAKS. Murray* 1-6, 3-4 Dimitrov Murray throws in the miss of the match as he completely mistimes a straightforward smash. Having waited an age for the return to hit the turf, Murray mistimes the high ball and strikes flatly into the bottom of the net and the groans ring out on Centre. Murray shakes his head in disgust and looks to his corner again. It's a mixture of the good and the ugly for the British No 1 as he hits a winner, but then throws in another unforced error which takes Dimitrov to 15-30. Dimitrov proves he can throw-in the odd mistake too and Murray is given a let-off for 30-all. It's only a brief blip as Dimitrov continues to work Murray from side-to-side and the Briton blinks first again to gift his rival break point.

Murray responds by going on the attack and edging his way to the net and dispatching a drop shot and performs the 'start up the machinery' fist pump which Lletyon Hewitt liked to celebrate with. But it's a return of the ugly game as a second break point goes Dimitrov's way and he has the break when Murray sends another forehand long. Murray returns to his chair muttering away to himself. DIMITROV BREAKS. Murray 1-6, 3-3 Dimitrov* There's no let up in Dimitrov's serve and his overall play. At 15-0 down, Murray looks to have the edge in the point but Dimitrov switches from defence to attack and forces Murray into another error. The British No 1's forehand isn't up and running yet and another error followed by a comfortable volley at the net from Dimitrov takes the Bulgarian to game. Murray* 1-6, 3-2 Dimitrov Murray makes the most of a Dimitrov slip on the baseline to hit into the corner, but the Bulgarian has superb balance and movement and stays in the point, forcing the British No 1 into an error.

An ace and then unreturnable first serve move Murray to 30-15 and he's given a let-off when a return clips the tape and forces Dimitrov to rush his reply and Murray goes on to wrap up another comfortable hold. He's finally starting to wake up and get moving. Murray 1-6, 2-2 Dimitrov* Dimitrov has looked remarkably calm and controlled given this is the further he's been here. Murray's unable to get a look on four powerful first serves from the Bulgarian and in a flash Murray's serving again. Murray* 1-6, 2-1 Dimitrov After such a comfortable opening service game this set, Murray throws in a double fault at the start of this one but then gets his act together to send down an unreturnable first serve out wide. A second double fault gifts his rival a second point for 15-30 but he's back to his best as he drills a backhand inside the lines which forces Dimitrov into an error. A sweeping forehand deep to the corner denies Dimitrov of a break point, but he can't execute the same shot in the same spot on the next as Dimitrov continues to ask questions of Murray.

A timely first serve which clips the top of Dimitrov's racket is just what Murray needs for advantage and he has a second game on the board for first time this match when he charges down a drop shot and sends a return back which Dimitrov can't pick up. Murray 1-6, 1-1 Dimitrov* The Briton has a spring in his step now and has urgency in his game as he forces Dimitrov to go long for 15-all. He drags a backhand into the tramlines on the next and then strikes long with a forehand as his unforced error counts creeps up to 11 to hand Dimitrov two game points. Murray opts to mix it up rushing the net and putting Dimitrov on the backfoot. But at 40-30, the Bulgarian goes on the attack and punches a volley home to draw level this set. Murray* 1-6, 1-0 Dimitrov Murray removes the cap for the start of the second, and it's made all the difference as he rushes through his service game to love, the first of the match for the No 3 seed and he lets out a big 'come on' as he looks to his corner.

Murray 1-6 Dimitrov* Finally Murray gets under and over a forehand which he loops across court to move 0-15 and end a run of eight-straight points from Dimitrov. The Briton leaps on a second serve but hits another wild forehand and he's struggling for his range out there. Another unforced error from Murray takes Dimitrov to two set points. Murray saves the first when he charges the net and Dimitrov can't make a pick up. After a slugfest at the baseline on the next, Murray sets himself and strikes a return which Dimitrov shanks on the volley. He's fortunate that it lands on the line, but Murray's meek return is easy for Dimitrov to put away and that's the set gone. DIMITROV WINS FIRST SET. Murray* 1-5 Dimitrov It's sluggish from Murray who has raced through his opening sets in his previous four matches. Dimitrov is swinging big and getting everything in. He takes a swipe at a Murray second serve and it bounces off the middle of his racket and lands perfectly into the corner for a mini-break.

Murray can't stop the tide as he strikes another regulation in the net and he's staring at three break points. The crowd try to lift him, he responds, briefly but then hits another flat return into the net to hand his opponent a second game. DIMITROV BREAKS. Murray 1-4 Dimitrov* Dimitrov is into his serving rhythm, sending down an ace followed by an unreturnable first serve. Three game points are brought up when Murray can't make another return and he can't get under a second straight forehand and the Bulgarian cements the break. Murray* 1-3 Dimitrov Dimitrov stays toe-to-toe from the baseline in the second point and catches Murray out with a forehand deep into the corner. The British No 1 can't make a pick up at his feet on the next to fall 15-30 behind. Dimitrov focues on Murray's forehand on the next baseline duel and the defending champion hangs in the point, only to blink first and hit long to hand Dimitrov two break points. The Bulgarian goes on the attack at the earliest opportunity, rushes the net and Murray is rushed into attempting a pass but it's well wide.

DIMITROV BREAKS. Murray 1-2 Dimitrov* Murray has been returning well early on here and getting Dimitrov involved in some baseline rallies. Dimitrov mixes up his play, and charges the net as he makes two volleys to wrap up the game to 15. Murray* 1-1 Dimitrov A great start by Murray on his serve, forcing Dimitrov into a couple of errors to bring up three game points. He stays aggressive on the next point, going deep into the corner with a heavy groundstroke, Dimitrov responds with a similiar weighty return, but strikes out. Murray 0-1 Dimitrov* (*deontes server) Dimitrov opens up with a couple of unforced errors, pushing a forehand long and then striking the net to gift Murray a mini-break. He's motoring on the next point, working Murray side-to-side and then moving into a point-winning situation as he knocks a forehand down the line which forces the defending champion into a first error. An ace out wide brings him all square but having lost the next point, Murray chases down a drop shot to hit into the empty net to bring the No 11 seed back to deuce.

Murray forces another error on the Dimitrov serve for a first break point, but after a baseline rally, he can't get under and over a forehand and we're back to deuce. Dimitrov then wraps up two straight points to finally hold after a nervous opening game. 13.25 Roger Federer will take on Stan Wawrinka later on Centre, but how about this for a stat.

&amp;lt;noframe&amp;gt;Twitter: Sam Seddon - .&amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;@rogerfederer&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; is the only player to have won 100% of his services games &amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;@Wimbledon&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; Dimitrov 97% Murray 94% &amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;#whoknew&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="" target="_blank"&amp;gt;#IBM&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/noframe&amp;gt; 13.19 Both players are out on Centre to a polite applause after a fair few ducked out at the conclusion of Halep's win. Murray opts to receive after winning the toss and will be sporting a white baseball cap for today's contest in the bright sunshine.

13.15 Dimitrov's previous best at a grand slam came earlier this year at the Australian Open where he reached the last eight but was beaten by Nadal in four sets having won the first. The Telegraph's Claire Duffin, meanwhile, has been talking to fans on Henman Hill this morning, here's how they see this clash going. 13.08 Royal Box alert: William and Kate will be cheering on Andy this afternoon, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to take their places once Halep beats Lisicki, oh which she now has, wrapping up the second set 6-0. The Romanian will play, most likely Bouchard - who currently leads Kerber 4-2 in the second set. 12.50 Murray vs Dimitrov will take centre stage following the conclusion of Simona Halep's quarter-final clash with Sabine Lisicki. French Open runner-up Halep is already a set to the good against 2013 finalist Lisicki, taking it 6-4. In the other remaining quarter-final, Eugenie Bouchard took the opening set against Angelique Keber, Maria Sharapova's conqueror yesterday, 6-3.

12.45 Telegraph columnist Greg Rusedski believes Grigor will win a grand slam in the near future - but believes Murray has the edge when it comes to both players' backhands and movement. I would give him a slight edge over Andy on the serve, and maybe fractionally on the forehand as well. But that leaves a lot of areas where he is second-best: the backhand, the return of serve, the volley, and above all the movement, which is always the single most important thing. Dimitrov is not yet as physically strong and quick as he will be once his training regime has reached its peak. This feels like a story of the present against the future. Roger Federer won his first major at 21. I look at Grigor, who is 23, and think 2015 could be his year to shine. He beat Andy in Acapulco in February, but that is very different from facing a best-of-five-set match against the Wimbledon champion in front of his home crowd. 12.30 Afternoon all.

Andy Murray has serenely moved into the last eight of Wimbledon without a blot on his copybook but today he faces his sternest test this fortnight in Grigor Dimitrov. Dimitrov has been much talked about as the next big thing in men's tennis - and this has been his breakthrough season. He's currently on a 10-match winning streak since arriving in London five weeks ago with the Queen's trophy to show for his hard work. Yet Dimitrov's claim to fame appears to still be his other half. When some fans wondered who Murray faced in the quarter-finals and were told 'Dimitrov', quite often it was followed up with an explanation, 'you know Maria Sharapova's boyfriend'. No doubt that tag would soon be dropped, or at least be a little further down the list, if he wins a maiden grand slam here. But the Bulgarian is making strides in the right direction and is guaranteed to break into the top 10 after reaching the quarters here for the first time. Murray will not go quietly though.

He hasn't had to put up too much of a fight in his previous four matches, but the British No 1 has only lost once at the All England Club since 2011 and has defended these championships with a real belief he can retain his crown. Who's your money on today and how far do you see the contest going? Me, I think Murray will take it in four after losing the first set. Email your predictions to vicki.hodges@telegraph.co.uk Andy Murray sent crashing out of Wimbledon by Grigor Dimitrov | Sport | The Guardian Andy Murray sent crashing out of Wimbledon by Grigor Dimitrov • Defending champion humbled in quarter-finals • Murray loses in straight sets, going down 6-1, 7-6, 6-2 Wednesday 2 July 2014 10.36 EDT Last modified on Monday 4 April 2016 11.08 EDT Share on Messenger Close By the day, almost by the hour, the cracks in the edifice of modern tennis are widening.

Andy Murray , playing his worst match here in several years, followed the world No1 Rafael Nadal out of Wimbledon on Wednesday in three sets that detained young Grigor Dimitrov barely two hours on Centre Court while on an adjacent battlefield the favourite Novak Djokovic needed all five sets to get rid of the No26 seed Marin Cilic. This is getting serious – but Murray might have most to worry about. Against a rising star who played with the same lack of fear the Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios showed in dispatching Nadal on Tuesday, Murray had no answers, and the Bulgarian won with alarming ease: 6-1, 7-6, 6-2. Dimitrov will now leapfrog Murray into the top 10, with the Scot slipping to 10th for the first time in six years. It is not a full-scale crisis but there must be concern in his camp, given he has not won a tournament since he beat Djokovic in the final here a year ago. He has recovered fully from back surgery last September and his coach, Amélie Mauresmo, seems to have settled in well in the few weeks they have worked together.

They will decide over the next few days whether or not to make their short-term arrangement more permanent, and Murray sounded later as if he would like it to continue. It would be a blow if Mauresmo did not think so too, given the crushing effect on the player of Ivan Lendl’s sudden departure in March. Still, by Murray’s own blunt admission after the quarter-final, Dimitrov, was “the better player from start to finish”. Murray won only three out of every 10 second serves, three of his five double faults came in the weary conclusion and robbed of consistent potency with ball in hand, he had to scrap for every point. He blinked in the face of heavy, quality fire, although he took his licks pretty well. Playing as if invaded by some foreign virus that had drained his tennis brain and paralysed his normally smooth movement over the grass of his favourite tournament, he could not resist Dimitrov’s educated power and sharp, well-hidden switches of direction that kept him guessing in every exchange. At times, Dimitrov really did look like Roger Federer, to whom he has been compared for so long. “Andy is a friend,” Dimitrov said.

“It’s a tough feeling when you know the person outside of the court. But I have more matches to play and I’m going to just prepare for the next one.” At Dimitrov’s age, 23, Murray had made a significant move, ranked No4 at the height of the Federer-Nadal hegemony, and he had already played in a slam final, losing to Federer in New York. But Dimitrov has been a classic late developer, the owner of only four titles. He has never been in a hurry, either in the shot or advancing on the game’s elite. The question mark was: could he handle the pressure of his second slam quarter-final against a member of the Big Four? He had almost beaten Nadal at this stage in Melbourne but when he took 10 serves to get on the board at the start, and was forced to save a break point, we wondered. And when Murray held to love it was tempting to imagine this might set the tone of the match. It did not quite go that way. What Dimitrov has in abundance is self-belief just short of arrogance and it was adventure that got him the break in the fourth game.

He was hitting his shots crisply and forcing Murray to shift uneasily side to side. When Dimitrov held to love for 4-1 his confidence soared and he had Murray suffering in the next game, the Scot pushing two slack forehands into the net from deep for the second break. Dimitrov, buzzing now, sealed the set with a smash at the net. Murray was in deep trouble. He kept eight out of 10 service returns in court during that blitz but too often fell back on his old default mindset of grind rather than risk – and Dimitrov punished him for his negativity. The challenge for the champion was to get a grip on this runaway thoroughbred; the Bulgarian’s task was to keep Murray guessing about the speed, depth and angle of his ground strokes. It took Murray five games into the second set to find his feet properly, moving with more assuredness behind a serve that briefly clicked, despite a couple of double faults. They swapped breaks but Murray needed more than parity. He had to rattle Dimitrov, somehow make him feel uncomfortable on the big stage. But his tormentor was playing exuberant, irresistible tennis.

All the anxiety was with Murray – and it mounted when, forced deep again, he netted a backhand. He somehow scrambled to deuce and delighted in forcing Dimitrov to chase in vain from one side of the court to the other to go 6-5 up. For the first time in the match Dimitrov, behind in the serving cycle, was under points pressure. He held to force the tie-break. In a tense duel, the world No13 produced a glorious passing shot then a sublime drop volley to grab a two-set lead. Murray has come back to win from two sets down on seven occasions. Not this time. When he went 4-2 behind in the third, the will seemed to leave him. Even with Dimitrov slipping on the dusty turf behind the baseline, Murray found himself unable to put the ball away in one rally in the seventh game – and needed a double fault by the Bulgarian to retain a sliver of hope. But he continued to slice long and bash wide, squandering one opportunity after another and with the clock ticking towards the second hour, he had to hold to stay in the tournament. The crowd desperately wanted him to survive, but he was doing little to encourage their slim hopes.

Mauresmo must have been as bemused as everyone in the house when he hit his fifth double fault to hand Dimitrov two match points. He saved the first with a forehand that dipped inside the deuce corner – and then lashed a final, limp effort into the middle of the net. It was a tame surrender – such a contrast to his efforts here a year ago – but a memorable day for Dimitrov and all those who believe he might have the stuff of greatness about him.

Game-by-game report: Andy Murray made a limp exit from Wimbledon, crashing out to the excellent Grigor Dimitrov, who won 6-1, 7-6, 6-2 Published: 2 Jul 2014 Andy Murray was knocked out by Grigor Dimitrov, while Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer both went through to the semi-finals Published: 2 Jul 2014 The Australian teenager hits a shot between his legs from the baseline for an outright winner in his fourth-round battle against world No1 Rafael Nadal Published: 1 Jul 2014 The Canberra teenager shocked world No1 Rafael Nadal but those close to him say he displayed his potential from the day he learned to walk Published: 2 Jul 2014 Champion Andy Murray exits Wimbledon shouting and cursing | Sport | The Guardian Champion Andy Murray exits Wimbledon shouting and cursing • Murray drops to No10 in the world after drubbing • Champion did not seem ‘quite right’, says Grigor Dimitrov Andy Murray, the No3 seed, gestures to the players' box during a change of ends in his straight-sets defeat by Grigor Dimitrov.

Photograph: Colorsport/Corbis Wednesday 2 July 2014 15.49 EDT Last modified on Monday 4 April 2016 11.08 EDT Close This article is 2 years old Andy Murray left a few expletives hanging in the air on Centre Court on Wednesday as Grigor Dimitrov dismissed the defending champion in three ragged sets to reach the semi-finals, where he will meet the tournament favourite Novak Djokovic on Friday. The winner will play either Roger Federer or Milos Raonic in Sunday’s final. Photographers on Centre Court on Wednesday told the Guardian they heard Murray scream “Shut the fuck up!” in the direction of his box during the second set, at around 2.13pm. Then, towards the end of a tense match when standing beneath the Royal Box, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were among the guests, the snappers said he shouted: “Five minutes before the fucking match!” It was not immediately clear if this was a reference to some disagreement he had with his new coach, Amélie Mauresmo, or his team – or something else entirely.

“I’m not going to go into details of what my game plan and tactics are for any of the matches that I play,” he said. “Whatever the tactics were, I didn’t execute them as well as I would have liked. Also, your opponent can do things in the match that you’re not expecting, or hit the ball in certain places which doesn’t allow you to do exactly what you want on the court. He did a good job of that. “He’s a talented guy. He can dig himself out of tough situations and points. When you think the point’s won, he can come up with some great shots. I don’t know his exact potential. It’s impossible to say.” Murray, who tamed his once fiery temper, particularly during his two years with the taciturn Ivan Lendl, has continually expressed satisfaction with the two-time slam champion Mauresmo since she replaced the Czech on a short-term basis a few weeks ago. “We’ll sit down and chat about that maybe tomorrow or in a few days,” he said when asked if they would continue the arrangement. “But it has to come from both sides. I’ve really enjoyed the last couple of weeks. I’ve found it good fun. I found it calming.

Tactically, I feel like the chats have been good. Also the direction that I would like my tennis to go in. So I hope so.” The Scot, who has not won a tournament since beating Djokovic in last year’s final, drops to No10 in the world for the first time in six years. “He was the better player from start to finish,” Murray said of Dimitrov, who played quite brilliantly to win 6-1, 7-6, 6-2 in just over two hours. Murray would not expand on Dimitrov’s post-match observation that he did not seem “quite right” in the warm-up. “It’s just a feeling,” the Bulgarian had said. “I’ve practised quite a few times with him. I know how he’s striking the ball when he’s at his best. I know how he’s playing when he’s not at his best.” “No, I didn’t,” Murray said when asked if he agreed with Dimitrov. If Murray was frustrated and angry with himself on court, he was resigned and calm afterwards. “I started the match badly and I think that gave him confidence,” he said.

And although defeat came after four excellent wins earlier in the tournament, he did not consider this the toughest loss of his career. “No, the toughest loss of my career was losing in the final here in 2012 [to Federer]. But I need to go away and make a lot of improvements in my game. I’ve lost a couple of matches in the last few slams in straight sets and played poorly. I need to get myself in better shape and work even harder, because everyone’s starting to get better. The younger guys are now becoming more mature and improving all the time. “I don’t feel like I have improved so much since Wimbledon last year. I think I’ve played some very good tennis but also some ordinary stuff at times.” Djokovic, meanwhile, who has been in decent but not devastating form, took five sets to beat the No26 seed Marin Cilic, and in the other quarter-finals the seven-time champion Federer, 33 next month, dropped a set before beating his compatriot Stan Wawrinka,. And the Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios, who beat world No1 Rafael Nadal, on Tuesday, found Raonic too strong over four sets after a draining but exciting first Wimbledon.

Wimbledon 2014: Andy Murray Wimbledon defence broken by Gregor Dimitrov who wins in straight sets | The Independent Wimbledon 2014: Andy Murray Wimbledon defence broken by Gregor Dimitrov who wins in straight sets Defending champion simply could not get going against Grigor Dimitrov Wednesday 2 July 2014 14:33 BST Click to follow The Independent Online Andy Murray pictured during his quarter-final defeat GETTY IMAGES Andy Murray's Wimbledon defence came to a miserable end in the quarter-finals at the hands of rising star Grigor Dimitrov. After the high of last year, when he ended Fred Perry's 77-year reign as the last British man to win the singles title, this was a sad way for the third seed to bow out. Murray never managed to find anything like his best form while Dimitrov played an inspired match to win 6-1 7-6 (7/4) 6-2 and reach his first grand slam semi-final. How did Prince William react to the defeat? The defeat ended Murray's 17-match winning streak at the All England Club and was his first slam loss to a player ranked outside the top 10 in four years.

Murray lost his first set of the tournament as Grigor Dimitrov stormed into an early lead in their Wimbledon quarter-final. Video: Who will Dimitrov play in the semi final? The defending champion simply could not get going against an opponent playing high-class tennis and the 6-1 scoreline made it the most one-sided set Murray has lost at the All England Club since his debut in 2005. Murray had reached the last eight without dropping a set for the second straight year but his form had been even better than 12 months ago. This was the match-up that created excitement when the draw was made - defending champion against tennis' pin-up boy. Touted as Baby Federer and one half of the sport's glamour couple with Maria Sharapova, Dimitrov has been making headlines on the court over the past year. Tough Australian coach Roger Rasheed has helped the 23-year-old develop the physical side of his game to go with his exceptional racquet skills. He made a tentative start to his first Wimbledon quarter-final but Murray was unable to take advantage of a break point and he was made to pay for that in the fourth game.

The best pictures from Wimbledon 2014 The best pictures from Wimbledon 2014 1/55 Day 13 Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer pose with their trophies after the final GETTY IMAGES Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory over Roger Federer GETTY IMAGES 3/55 Day 13 Samuel L Jackson and Sofia Davis in the Royal Box on Centre Court before the Gentlemen's Singles Final Getty Images 4/55 Day 13 Prince William Duke of Cambridge talks with Chris Hoy in the Royal Box on Centre Court before the Gentlemen's Singles Final Getty Images 5/55 Day 13 Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Gill Brook wife of AELTC Chairman Philip Brook in the Royal Box on Centre Court before the Gentlemen's Singles Final Getty Images Roger Federer celebrates clinching the first set of the men's singles final on a tie-break Getty Images Petra Kvitova kisses the winner's Venus Rosewater Dish during the presentation after beating Eugenie Bouchard GETTY IMAGES The moment Petra Kvitova won the final against Eugenie Bouchard GETTY IMAGES Petra Kvitova and Eugenie Bouchard after their Wimbledon final GETTY IMAGES Petra Kvitova celebrates winning

 a point during the Wimbledon final Getty Images Maria Sharapova watches boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov during his semi-final with Novak Djokovic Getty Images 12/55 Day 11 Serbia's Novak Djokovic receives a ball before serving during his men's singles semi-final match against Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov GETTY IMAGES Grigor Dimitrov pictured during his semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic GETTY IMAGES Grigor Dimitrov pictured during his semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic GETTY IMAGES 15/55 Day 10 Novak Djokovic of Serbia during a practice session as fans watch the action on day ten of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club Getty Images 16/55 Day 10 Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic celebrates after winning her Ladies' Singles semi-final match against Lucie Safarova of Czech Republic on day ten of Wimbledon Getty Images Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after winning his Gentlemen's Singles quarter-final match against Marin Cilic GETTY IMAGES The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watch Andy Murray lose at Wimbledon GETTY IMAGES Andy Murray pictured during his defeat to Gregor Dimitrov GETTY IMAGES Andy Murray pictured during his defeat

 to Gregor Dimitrov GETTY IMAGES Gregor Dimitrov celebrates his win over Andy Murray GETTY IMAGES Canada's Eugenie Bouchard celebrates winning her women's singles quarter-final match against Germany's Angelique Kerber GETTY IMAGES Romania's Simona Halep celebrates winning her women's singles quarter-final match against Germany's Sabine Lisicki GETTY IMAGES Sabine Lisicki during her defeat to Simona Halep of Romania GETTY IMAGES Australia's Nick Kyrgios celebrates winning a game against Spain's Rafael Nadal GETTY IMAGES Nadal pictured during his defeat to Nick Kyrgios GETTY IMAGES Rafael Nadal of Spain during his fourth round defeat against Nick Kyrgios GETTY IMAGES 28/55 Day 8 Serena Williams receives treatment during the warm up before her second round doubles match with sister Venus before retiring GETTY IMAGES 29/55 Day 8 Maria Sharapova of Russia stands dejected during her Ladies' Singles fourth round defeat against Angelique Kerber GETTY IMAGES 30/55 Day 8 John Peers of Australia (l) and Jamie Murray of Great Britain (r) during their Gentlemen's Doubles third round defeat GETTY IMAGES Roger Federer during his Gentlemen's Singles fourth

 round victory over Tommy Robredo GETTY IMAGES Novak Djokovic celebrates his win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga GETTY IMAGES Andy Murray after his victory over Kevin Anderson GETTY IMAGES Sir Alex Ferguson watches Andy Murray in action GETTY IMAGES Support for Andy Murray on Centre Court GETTY IMAGES 36/55 Day 7 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria celebrates after winning his Gentlemen's Singles fourth round match against Leonardo Mayer GETTY IMAGES 37/55 Day 7 Eugenie Bouchard of Canada celebrates after winning her Ladies' Singles fourth round match against Alize Cornet GETTY IMAGES Eugenie Bouchard receives support on Centre Court GETTY IMAGES 39/55 Day 7 Japan's Kei Nishikori signs autographs after winning his men's singles third round match against Italy's Simon Bolelli GETTY IMAGES 40/55 Day 6 Kazakhstan's Yaroslava Shvedova (L) and US player Madison Keys (R) switch sides during their women's singles third round match on day six of 2014 Wimbledon Getty Images Serena Williams fails to find the answers as she crashes out of Wimbledon GETTY IMAGES Six hours of play were lost on Saturday GETTY IMAGES 

43/55 Day 6 Maria Sharapova started slowly against the American Alison Riske but ran out a 6-3, 6-0 winner AFP Andy Murray in action during his victory over Roberto Bautista GETTY IMAGES Kim Sears watches Andy Murray in action during his victory over Roberto Bautista GETTY IMAGES Ricky Gervais watches Andy Murray in action during his victory over Roberto Bautista GETTY IMAGES Novak Djokovic tumbles during his victory over Gilles Simon GETTY IMAGES Novak Djokovic in action against Gilles Simon GETTY IMAGES The roof is closed for the first time of the 2014 Wimbledon championships GETTY IMAGES 50/55 Day 4 Roger Federer heads off Centre Court to await the roof to come over during his win over Gilles Muller GETTY IMAGES 51/55 Day 4 Britain's Heather Watson (R) looks on during her women's singles second round defeat to Germany's Angelique Kerber GETTY IMAGES 52/55 Day 4 Maria Sharapova of Russia in action during her Ladies' Singles second round victory against Timea Bacsinszky GETTY IMAGES 53/55 Day 4 Andy Murray walks out to

 start a practice session on day four of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships GETTY IMAGES 54/55 Day 4 Ana Ivanovic of Serbia celebrates after winning her Ladies' Singles second round match against Jie Zheng GETTY IMAGES Andy Murray loses to Grigor Dimitrov in Wimbledon quarters - BBC Sport BBC Sport Andy Murray loses to Grigor Dimitrov in Wimbledon quarters By Piers Newbery Media playback is not supported on this device Watch the best of the action as Murray loses at Wimbledon Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov outplayed Andy Murray on Centre Court to end the Briton's Wimbledon title defence.

Dimitrov, 23, played superbly to win 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 in two hours and one minute and reach his first Grand Slam semi-final. Murray had been on a 17-match winning streak at Wimbledon and was looking to reach his sixth consecutive semi-final. However, Dimitrov's big serve, variety of shots and athletic defence proved too much for Murray. Media playback is not supported on this device Watch Andy Murray's reaction to his Wimbledon defeat The atmosphere on Centre Court was in marked contrast to 12 months ago, when 15,000 thrilled spectators watched Murray become the first Briton since Fred Perry in 1936 to win the men's singles. In the year that followed, Murray had back surgery in September and lost the services of coach Ivan Lendl in March, with Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo stepping into the role on the eve of Wimbledon.

But only four men in the open era - Bjorn Borg, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer - had returned after their first Wimbledon victory to defend the title, and despite impressing in the earlier rounds, Murray fell well short against 11th seed Dimitrov. Match stats Break points 5/9 "My start to the match was poor," said Murray. "I started the match badly and I think that gave him confidence. "I should have done a better job at the beginning of the match of making it tougher for him, and I didn't manage to do that. "Also, when I got back into the second set, that was my opportunity there." The 27-year-old Scot, whose winning run at SW19 included his 2012 Olympic gold and last year's Wimbledon triumph, could not convert a break point in a tight opening game, and Dimitrov grew in confidence from the opening four-minute test. He had little trouble returning the Murray serve and, unlike the Briton's previous opponents, was able to dictate in the longer exchanges. Pinned way behind the baseline, Murray began to make errors, and it was an ambitious backhand when forced out wide that saw the Scot drop serve in game four.

If that drew a murmur from the afternoon crowd on Centre Court, there were a few gasps when Dimitrov broke to love for a 5-1 lead and served out the set confidently after just 25 minutes. Dimitrov took four years to break into the world's top 50 and another 12 months to reach the top 25 With his mix of pace and spin, the backhand slice proving especially effective, Dimitrov was moving his man all over the court and pushing hard for the crucial second break. Murray looked to his box in disbelief after a poor smash into the net at 3-3 made it 18 errors to just five from Dimitrov, and the pressure told when he sliced a backhand wide to fall behind again. The match was now slipping away from the champion and he finally reacted, taking advantage of the first signs of edginess from his opponent to convert from 0-30 and get back on level terms.

Murray was still on the back foot, however, gasping for breath and urging the crowd to get behind him after winning a pulsating 31-stroke rally at 4-4, 30-30, and then fending off two break points at 5-5. Reaching the tie-break might have felt like a minor victory for Murray, but Dimitrov was undeterred and again dominated the key moments, coming up with a backhand pass, a drop volley, and a terrific lunging backhand volley from 4-4. Media playback is not supported on this device Watch the moment Andy Murray was knocked out of Wimbledon Murray had recovered from two sets down at the same stage last year, but Dimitrov was a tougher proposition than Fernando Verdasco. There was a sense of inevitability when the Briton double-faulted to drop serve in game six of the third set, and another double fault brought up two match points for Dimitrov two games later. Murray saw off the first with the kind of forehand winner he had been searching for all afternoon, but he could only find the net moments later and his reign as champion was over.

"Today was one of those days when I was pretty steady for the whole match and came out the winner," said Dimitrov. "It's tough when you know the person well outside the court and you have to face them. I have hopefully two more matches left and I am just focusing on that and trying not to get carried away." The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William watched the match from the Royal Box Wimbledon 2014: Andy Murray v Grigor Dimitrov - Telegraph Wimbledon 2014: Andy Murray v Grigor Dimitrov Laura Robson uses IBM SlamTracker to analyse defending champion Andy Murray's quarter-final clash with Grigor Dimitrov Andy Murray continues the defence of his title against Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov Photo: GETTY IMAGES With insight and comments from Laura Robson 4:47PM BST 01 Jul 2014 Wednesday afternoon’s quarter-final match between Andy Murray and Grigor Dimitrov promises to be one of the most exciting of The Championships so far. Both players are in sparkling form, and for Andy, who has cruised through to the last eight without dropping a set, this will be a big test in the quest to defend his Centre Court crown.

Grigor has just turned 23 but he has been hyped up from a really young age, and in some quarters people were expecting him to do well sooner than he has. The Bulgarian has taken his time to develop his game and his physique, and I think that has actually aided him; it’s not been too much, too soon, and he as gradually progressed. Now he is rightly talked about one of the younger players coming through who could take a grand slam, sooner rather than later. His relationship with Maria Sharapova has certainly helped his game, too, and he will be hoping Tuesday's defeat on Centre Court to ninth-seed Angelique Kerber is not a bad omen. I’ve known Grigor for a very long time: since I was 12, and he was 14, when were in a tennis camp in Florida, playing all the junior tournaments in America. We also spent a lot of time together, a few years later, at Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy to the west of Paris. It was in the middle of nowhere and outside of training it was really boring.

We had to find things to do to pass the time, and Grigor was notorious for bringing these huge, 2,000-piece jigsaws puzzles. I recall that there was one in particular, of a lion enclosure at a zoo, which we never managed to finish – it was impossible. Grigor has played some of the best tennis of his career at this tournament, especially on Monday when he did superbly in a rain-interrupted, straight-sets win over Argentinian Leonardo Mayer. And he is 11th seed with good reason, after winning at Queens on the eve of Wimbledon and, earlier this year, reaching his first quarters at a major in Australia. Significantly, he also notched up his first win over Andy in March this year – on a hard-court in Acapulco – having lost in straight sets the three previous times they had met. It was a small tournament in Mexico, and only best of three sets, so it will be totally different scenario on Wednesday on Centre Court. Grigor played on Centre Court in his second-round match – the straight-sets victory over Aussie Luke Saville – so he will have had a taste of the venue, but this will be a considerable step up now.

As a young player, one of the key things to focus on is controlling your nerves on the big stage. If Grigor has a lapse in concentration for just 10 minutes Andy will pounce, and the momentum could swing rapidly. IBM’s SlamTracker tells us that when he has won 26 per cent of his serve return points Grigor has secured 63 per cent of his sets. Is this key attainable against the reigning champion? Well, his return is pretty solid and he has a good ability of switching straight to slice if Andy goes wide to his backhand on the serve. It is always tough to return a big server on grass, though, and it’s strong area of the Scot’s game. It will be very hard for Grigor to win many points there. Andy will be very confident going in to the match, pleased with how he has played so far. He is good physical condition – there is no visible concern about the back injury which has dogged him this season, and might have contributed to the defeat in Acapulco – and if he hits his keys, suggested by SlamTracker, then he should advance to the last four.

He has secured 87 per cent of his sets when he has won 29 per cent of his first-serve return points, and 78 per cent when managing to claim three out of four of the points on his first serve, so Grigor will be hoping he can continue his flair tennis to chip away at that. Andy’s experience and the home crowd should give him an advantage, of course, but it will be fascinating encounter, and has all the makings of a classic. Change how you talk about the game at wimbledon.com/slamtracker or via #whoknew and #IBM on Twitter Andy Murray loses quarter-final against Dimitrov - ITV News 2 July 2014 at 3:29pm Andy Murray loses quarter-final against Dimitrov Andy Murray faced Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov at Wimbledon today. Credit: PA Andy Murray has crashed out of his Wimbledon quarter-final clash with Grigor Dimitrov. Dimitrov beat the Scot 6-1, 7-6, 6-2 to reach his first ever grand slam semi-final.

Last updated Tue 22 Jul 2014 Wimbledon 2014: Andy Murray Explains Devastating Grigor Dimitrov Defeat - Yahoo Sport Wimbledon 2014: Andy Murray Explains Devastating Grigor Dimitrov Defeat By Eduardo Fernandez-Abascal 3 July 2014 13:23    Andy Murray has expressed his disappointment about his surprising Wimbledon quarter-final defeat by Grigor Dimitrov , admitting he had no excuse as the Bulgarian was much better than him. Dimitrov beat the current Wimbledon champion in a 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 straight sets defeat – even though Murray had not dropped a single set during the earlier rounds of the tournament. Speaking to the BBC about the defeat, Murray said: "As much as I'm disappointed with my level, Grigor did play a very good match. He didn't give me many opportunities. "I was nervous, I felt the butterflies and was excited about the match, but that's perfectly normal. I didn't feel overcome by the moment, but I certainly wasn't very good when I got out on court.

"I made a bad start and I think that gave him confidence, and then there were just too many errors from me. All the percentages were going in his favour." Murray has not reached a final since his Wimbledon 2013 victory but is confident about the future. "Now it's about regrouping and working out what I need to do to get back to my very best. I'll sit down with my coach Amelier Mauresmo and decide how we're going to take things forward. That's as much up to her as it is me," he said. "I've really enjoyed the last couple of weeks, so we'll see where we go from here. The game always improves and gets better, and I know I have things to work on. I plan to be back on the practice court and in the gym soon. "I need to get a bit more out of myself and gain as big an advantage as possible when I step out on the court. Hopefully I will be back at Wimbledon next year after 12 months of hard work and be in a position to challenge for the title again.

"Centre Court is a special place and I truly believe I can have some more great moments out there." Tennis Andy Murray's Wimbledon quarter-final rival wants Maria Sharapova as his cheerleader - Mirror Online Sport Andy Murray's Wimbledon quarter-final rival wants Maria Sharapova as his cheerleader Since he started dating the former SW19 champion, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov was won four events - including Queen's Club last month Share No quarter given: Grigor Dimitrov stands between Andy Murray and the semi-finals (Photo: Clive Brunskill) Share Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email Grigor Dimitrov was 13 years old when he watched Maria Sharapova win Wimbledon. Now, the world No 13 wants his girlfriend to stay in London to see him win the title after he beats Andy Murray. Defending champion Murray will face his toughest test of the fortnight on Centre Court on Wednesday against the brilliant Bulgarian who won junior Wimbledon in 2008 - and the Aegon Championship last month. But the No 11 seed is better known for his No 1 fan who cheered him on to victory at the Queen’s Club.

Since he started dating Sharapova in 2012, tennis’ next superstar has won four ATP titles and now reached his second Grand Slam quarter-final of the year. Sharapova, the 2004 champion here, lost in the fourth round to Angelique Kerber on Tuesday and said afterwards she was unsure about her immediate plans. But while Murray will want to send the golden couple of tennis home on Wednesday night, Dimitrov is keen for her positive influence to remain until the end in SW19. “She is the best example of an athlete and player with her work ethic,” said the charming 23-year-old of his Russian love. “I think we can both learn things from each other. But at the same time, without throwing flowers at myself, I give a lot of credit to myself for what I have become throughout all the years and the work I have put in. “I don’t want to compare me to her. Firstly there is no point and secondly, in my opinion, even before I knew her and all that, I thought she was the best. “I actually remember watching her win Wimbledon. She was 17, I was 13 years old! It was good to see.

Hopefully I will get to the final and then she can come and watch.” Smashing: Tennis' golden couple Sharapova and Dimitrov (Photo: FameFlynet) While heart-throb Dimitrov goes out with the most famous female athlete on the planet for 18 months, Murray has been with girlfriend Kim Sears for years. One thing the two men do have in common is tee-totalism. “I have never tried alcohol, I can create my own vibe around it,” the Bulgarian said. “I have had my share of parties and going out so I am fine with it.” Murray first spotted the talent of Dimitrov, dubbed Baby Fed for his Roger Federer-like backhand, when they both trained in Spain as teenagers. Now the players - and their respective teams - are very close. “I think we just feel comfortable around each other,” said the younger man. Murray considered appointing Dimitrov’s coach Roger Rasheed before opting for Ivan Lendl in December 2011. The former Aussie rules player started working with the Bulgarian last year and built his fitness and technique to crack the top 20. And Rasheed beat Murray’s fitness trainer Jez Green in a 200m race before the start of the tournament.

“There’s been a bit of competition between the two teams because Roger likes to talk trash, so we thought we’d test him out,” said Murray. Dimitrov, who is also a friend of Bulgaria's greatest footballer Dimitar Berbatov, added: “We have a few other bets that will come later on in the year. “It’s more for the fun but any money from wagers involved will go to charity. It will be a chance for revenge for whoever loses this match, so to speak! “That’s the beauty of tennis, it’s basically a gladiator battle. It’s just two people. One of them is going to come out and win. What a great way to do that kind of thing. A quarter final match out on Centre Court: what more can you ask for?” Andy Murray and Grigor Dimitrov stats

Question: Which Bulgarian beat Andy Murray in the 2014 Wimbledon quarter-final?
Answer: GRIGOR DIMITROV