The heavy hitters are in town as part of Tennis Ireland’s ‘Dublin Challenger’ event.
It’s the first time in 18 years that an ATP Challenger 75 tournament is taking place here, and it’s attracted some big names.
Dubliner Conor Gannon, who was a wildcard entry to the event and who emerged victorious earlier this week against former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Bernard Tomic, has said playing against the game’s bigger names has been “surreal”.
He took on former world number 3 Grigor Dimitrov on Court 1, at Elm Park Golf and Sports Club, packed with spectators.
There are around 1,000 places between the two players in the world rankings.
“To have a massive tournament here is amazing”
However, despite the hometown support, the local went down 6-2, 6-3 in straight sets.
“It was surreal. I’ve seen the motion of his serve numerous times on TV, and then on the first point, seeing that … it was pretty cool to see.
“Just playing him is pretty amazing. It doesn’t happen very often. You’ve got to take the moments in, but it’s incredibly hard because you’re out there to win and compete,” Gannon said.
“To have a massive tournament here is amazing… It’s nice to show the Irish population, that (Irish) tennis is on the mend and is promising,” he said.
Conor Gannon said it was ‘promising’ to see an ATP Challenger 75 tournament in Ireland
For the Bulgarian, it was another victory as he continues to rebuild his career after injury and his sights are now set on Wimbledon after getting a wildcard entry.
Dimitrov paid tribute to his opponent and to the support he has been receiving, after he was mobbed by fans after the game.
“I’m very grateful to play here. It was such an amazing crowd. I love the support, I really appreciate everyone behind me right now,” he said.
It was Dimitrov’s first time playing in Ireland.
“I love it, I wish I had more time away from the court to explore. Maybe in the coming days I can have a minute to explore,” he said.
Grigor Dimitrov ‘grateful’ to play in Ireland
Speaking at the event, Tennis Ireland CEO Kevin Quinn said he was glad that after a nearly 20-year absence, this level of tournament was back on Irish soil.
“The Irish Open started two years after Wimbledon back in the 1870s.
“So, we have huge history as an international grass court tournament.
“So, to bring back the ATP Challenger Tour on grass, and to have it the week before the Wimbledon qualifiers – that’s a real key ambition for us and we’re delighted to be able to host it this year,” Mr Quinn said.