(Reuters) – Grigor Dimitrov is on track to return to the top 10 rankings in tennis for the first time since 2018. The Bulgarian secured a spot in the Miami Open final after defeating Alexander Zverev on Friday. Dimitrov expressed how his hard work is finally paying off.
Since winning the Wimbledon junior championship in 2008, Dimitrov has been considered a potential contender for major tennis titles, drawing comparisons to Roger Federer. Despite high expectations, the 32-year-old has not fully lived up to his early promise.
Nevertheless, Dimitrov has been displaying excellent form in recent weeks. He triumphed over top-10 players Carlos Alcaraz and Hubert Hurkacz at the Miami Open before securing a 6-4 6-7(4) 6-4 victory against the fifth-ranked Zverev in the semi-final.
“I believe that consistently defeating top players is a significant achievement,” Dimitrov remarked to reporters following his win. “This success leads to improved rankings and overall progress. My discipline has been crucial in reaching this point. I stayed focused on my goals and maintained consistent performance.”
Dimitrov, who is set to face world number three Jannik Sinner in the final on Sunday, aims to maximize his diverse skill set during the match. “I am aware of the variety of techniques I possess and intend to utilize them effectively. Timing is key in utilizing these skills,” he explained.
“During today’s match, particularly in the third set, I successfully incorporated finesse, utilized the slice technique, increased aggression in my forehand shots, engaged in serve and volley tactics, and approached the net.”
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by William Mallard)
