Grigor Dimitrov has secured his passage into the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters by beating Fernando Verdasco in three sets this afternoon.

The world number 11 was pegged back after taking the first set, but he made no mistake in wrapping up the contest 6-4 4-6 6-4 in a time of 2 hours and 28 minutes to advance.

A loss of serve in the third game of the contest allowed Dimitrov to grab an early foothold on proceedings, although he did things the hard way by blowing two set points to allow his opponent to push him all the way in the opener.

It was a similar case in the second set, the Bulgarian failing to capitalise on his break points, which this time cost him as Verdasco levelled up.

Dimitrov made the most of two breaks of serve in the decider to race ahead and take a well-earned victory, in a set which saw 11 separate break points.

Fabio Fognini awaits in the next round in Monaco.