Watch out for Dimitrov!
Hasn't Grigor Dimitrov been taken out of the equation a little too quickly? While debate rages across the tennis world as to who are the most credible favorites to win the title next Sunday, the name of the world number 10 is almost never mentioned. While it's obvious that he's not the first player to be put on the list of favourites, particularly on clay, that doesn't mean he should be buried.
In fine form since the end of the 2023 season, the Bulgarian is becoming a sure thing on the circuit. At 33, he is breathing new life into a career that many thought was over. Semi-finalist in Shanghai and finalist in Paris-Bercy last year, he confirmed his form this season, winning the Brisbane tournament and reaching the final in Miami. Despite a fairly average season on clay (4 wins in 7 matches prior to Roland-Garros), he has so far enjoyed a very convincing tournament in Paris.
Although he hasn't exactly dazzled with his talent, Dimitrov is showing the progress he's made of late, particularly on the mental front. In fact, despite several setbacks, he has bounced back every time. Visibly very strong physically, he had to go 5 days without rest (because of the rain), and it was almost without a sound that he qualified for the quarter-finals on Sunday.
Indeed, after three solid opening games, the world number 10 delivered a very serious match on Sunday (37 winners, 28 unforced errors). Against Hubert Hurkacz (ranked 8th), he demonstrated a detonating realism. Resisting the Pole's exceptional quality of service (20 aces), he simply accelerated when necessary to frustrate Hurkacz, who was still too naive on clay (7-6, 6-4, 7-6 in 2h53).
Impressively serene, he is about to experience his first quarter-final at Roland-Garros, and could well surprise everyone. More dangerous than ever, the flamboyant tennis player could well be the main outsider at this Roland Garros. Buoyed by his new-found maturity, he will now attempt to claim his first career final four in Paris. To do so, he'll have to face a tough challenge, since he'll either be up against a Moutet supported by an entire nation, or a Sinner who beat him soundly in the Miami final.
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