Grigor Dimitrov demonstrated great heroics after getting back up off the dirt in an epic rally with Kei Nishikori at the Rome Masters.
Japan's Nishikori denied Dimitrov a 27th birthday win to progress to the third round, rallying back from a set down to beat the Bulgarian 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-4.
The pair produced some thrilling rallies including one epic at 4-4 in the deciding set when Dimitrov, on break point, fell on the red clay of the Foro Italico only to pick himself up and continue the rally. Nishikori ended up winning it with a thunderous winner down the line.
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