Grigor Dimitrov endures early exit at the US Open

Grigor Dimitrov has crashed out of the US Open after a surprise defeat to Mikhail Kukushkin in the second round.

The 17th seeded Bulgarian fought back from two sets down to level the match, but Kukushkin held his nerve to complete a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 2-6 4-6 6-4 win at Flushing Meadows.

The defeat was a fresh setback for Dimitrov, who is yet to win a single ATP title during a dismal year and his best showing at a Grand Slam was a fourth round appearance back at the Australian Open.

Kukushkin, who is coached by his wife Anastasia, reached the third round of the New York tournament for only the second time and will next face defending champion Marin Cilic on Friday.

The Kazakh player had not ventured past the second round in his last 16 ATP tour events, but his confidence was boosted by a strong start and he edged out Dimitrov in the second set tie-break to forge a commanding lead.

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Facing an early exit, Dimitrov fought back in the third, picking up much needed breaks, and appeared on course for a comeback win when he levelled the match in the fourth set.

But the world No 17 could not save himself after being broken again in the decider and bowed out with another disappointing defeat.  

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