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MELBOURNE—Frances Tiafoe likes the big stage and behind his big results he's getting to play on it more often. He's into the fourth round of the Australian Open and will face his good friend, Grigor Dimitrov.

The 20-year-old had a breakthrough 2018 season, cracking the Top 40 and winning his first title, in Delray Beach.

“I had a great year, so obviously you grow confidence from that," Tiafoe said. "I feel like I have a chance against anyone when I step on the court. I love playing in big stages. I always play well. Whether or not I get the win or not, it's irrelevant. I always play a good match. I usually put myself in a position to win the match. Lately I have been doing it.

"Now I just kind of thrive for those moments.”

Tiafoe looking forward to competing like crazy against Dimitrov

Tiafoe looking forward to competing like crazy against Dimitrov

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He has practiced with Dimitrov, and faced him once before, losing in a third-set tiebreak in Toronto last year.

“We're good friends," Tiafoe said. “Yeah, he's going to come out obviously just competing like crazy. So am I. It's a big match to get to the final eight. I'm not going to be an easy out for him.”

Dimitrov was ranked No. 3 at the beginning of 2018 and is now at No. 21, but has started the 2019 season playing better tennis. The Bulgarian is well aware of Tiafoe's abilities.

“Great guy. We have always a lot of fun with him in the locker room,” Dimitrov said. “Everybody loves him. Already a few very good wins out here in Melbourne. So absolutely, he's going to be dangerous to play. He's going to be excited. It's a new ground for him. I don't expect it to be an easy match at all.”

Tiafoe looking forward to competing like crazy against Dimitrov

Tiafoe looking forward to competing like crazy against Dimitrov

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