Grigor Dimitrov is into the Final of the Nitto ATP Finals after rallying for a 4-6, 6-0 6-3 victory in just under two hours.
The Saturday night encounter at the O2 Arena was unfamiliar territory for both men. Despite playing each other on four previous occasions, neither of them had managed to reach the final of a tournament as prestigious at the one in London. That fact featured prominently in the match with moments of sheer brilliance from Dimitrov coinciding with costly errors.
“Jack is an unbelievable player. That forehand gives me so much trouble, I’m not going to lie. He found a way to win it and he was playing so well but my belief was really good today.” Dimitrov said during his on-court interview.
Dimitrov looked set to carry on from his thrashing of Pablo Carreno Busta the day before. The Bulgarian raced out to a 3-0 lead at the start before Sock managed to hit back with interest. Capitalizing on 20 unforced errors made by his opponent throughout the opening set. A Dimitrov backhand into the net enabled Sock to level 3-3. Four games later it was the American in pole position after as he secured another break for 5-4. Continuing the theme, the set concluded in the most appropriate fashion with back-to-back errors from Dimitrov.
It seemed like it would be a case of deja vu for the world No.6, who failed to convert match point chances against Sock in their two previous meetings at Montreal (2015) and Indian Wells (2017). However, this time was different. Dimitrov’s confidence from his unbeaten streak in London was evident as he raced to level the match. Bageling Sock, who hit four winners to 12 unforced errors, in just 23 minutes.
“When you play a guy, a player of that caliber, you can’t give him that many opportunities, that many free points. He took advantage today.” A disappointed Sock commented during his press conference.
With everything to play for, Dimitrov eventually managed to overcome his demons against Sock. Continuing to fight for a place in the final, the breakthrough was secured during the closing stages of the match. With Sock serving behind 4-3 in the decider, a shot from Dimitrov painted the line to secure the break.
Closing the match out proved to be a mammoth task for the 26-year-old in a four-deuce game. Three match points came and went before it was fourth time lucky for Dimitrov following a Sock forehand error.
“I was very composed with myself, I didn’t let any negative thoughts come into my head. Things went my way tonight and I’m more than happy. I’m so humbled to be in the final tomorrow.” He said about his performance.
As a result of Dimitrov’s run, he will rise to third in the world rankings with 4650 points. Overtaking Alexander Zverev. He will next take on David Goffin. A player he has a 3-1 head-to-head record against. Dimitrov easily defeated Goffin 6-0, 6-2 in round robin play earlier this week.
“It’s another match – I just need to keep on playing. It’s the last match of the season so full house, and we’re on.” He concluded.
Adam Addicott contributed to this article
