LONDON: Grigor Dimitrov has become the first Bulgarian winner of the ATP World Tour Finals after defeating David Goffin 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, in a marathon tussle.
The encounter at The O2 Arena was one that rewrote history. For the first time two players contested the final of the tournament on their qualifying debut (Goffin played as an alternate in 2016). In what was a milestone moment for both men, who were also the first to represent their country’s in the end-of-season finale, nerves were prevalent from the onset.
Still, 26-year-old Dimitrov managed to triumph in the gut-busting two-and-a-half-hour roller coaster. Hitting five aces and 20 winners, but only managing to convert four out of his 15 break point opportunities.
“It has been a tremendous two weeks for me. It is such an honor to play here. This week has been one of the best I have had.” Said Dimitrov.
“David is such a tremendous guy, forget the tennis. He can hit the ball well also so congrats to him. He is one of the most improved players this past week and months. It was an unbelievable effort. I am very proud to play him in the final.”
A roller coaster opening set saw both men hit more unforced errors than winners. As chants of ‘Grigor’ erupted around the stadium, three consecutive breaks of serves got the match underway. Goffin, who defeated both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer earlier in the week, was the first to capitalize. Hitting an ace to move ahead to a 3-1 lead. Dimitrov appeared nervous and tentative in his play, but managed to regroup. Illustrating glimmers of his brilliance to level the set at 4-4 against his equally tense opponent.
Simply sublime from @GrigorDimitrov and @David__Goffin…#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/ysojsQP0GN
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 19, 2017
With an additional $1.2 million in prize money up for grabs, the opening set concluded in dramatic fashion. Goffin’s resilience frustrated Dimitrov as he saw four set points come and go during a marathon game. It was on his fifth attempt that he triumphed after a Goffin forehand slammed into the net. Resurrecting chants of ‘Grigor’ from the large contingent of Bulgarian fans in the crowd.
Despite Dimitrov’s breakthrough, Goffin refused to give up on his chance of winning the title and cracking the world’s top five for the first time. Continuing to match each other game-by-game, a clean forehand down the line from the Belgian moved him ahead 4-3 in the second set. Prompting Goffin to fist-pump towards the direction of his camp. This time he didn’t crumble whilst in front as he closed a service game out to love and forced the match into a one-set shoot-out.
“It was a fantastic week. I would like to congratulate Grigor for a fantastic week, year. It was a special week for me. With a lot of emotion, fatigue, I am feeling tired. Amazing week we made an amazing job.” Goffin said after the match.
With everything to play for, the decider was pulsating with Dimitrov constantly having his back pushed against the wall. Illustrated by the first game of the decider when he saved four break points within 12 minutes. With such little disparity between the two, a single shot could make the difference and that was the case in the sixth game of the decider. A Goffin backhand drifted into the tramlines handed the Bulgarian the break.
Admirably the Belgian kept fighting, saving a trio of match points and calling for the crowd to support him. Yet it wasn’t enough to deny the new world No.3, who clinched victory with the help of an error from his opponent. Prompting an emotional Dimitrov, overcome by jubilation, to collapse onto the floor.
“I am lost for words. My team have been unbelievable, my family.” He said.
“One person who played an important part is my girlfriend Nicole [pop star Nicole Scherzinger]. She is somewhere hiding. She deserves a lot of credit these two weeks. It was great to be out here.”
Dimitrov Has become the sixth player in history to win the season-ending tournament on their debut and the first since Alex Corretja in 1998. He ends the tournament with a total of $2,549,000 in prize money and 1500 Emirates ranking points. Finishing the season at a ranking career-high of third in the world.
