Match Overview
Grigor Dimitrov made a stunning comeback in the 2024 US Open, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2019 with a hard-fought victory over Andrey Rublev. The match, full of ups and downs, showcased Dimitrov’s skill and composure as he won in five thrilling sets: 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, 3-6, 6-3.
Key Moments
Dimitrov, the ninth seed, started strong, taking the first two sets against the sixth seed Rublev, who struggled with his emotions. Despite Rublev’s intense anger—spraying his racquet and causing a scene—Dimitrov maintained his focus, especially when the match became more intense.
“I think after the first couple of sets, he started playing amazing,” Dimitrov noted, reflecting on Rublev’s performance. “There’s not much else I could have done. I felt I had to pull the reins back a little bit and wait for an opportunity.”
Rublev’s frustrations were evident as he required medical attention early on, nursing a cut from his racquet. This incident seemed to set the tone for his erratic play—while he mounted a comeback to win the third and fourth sets, he couldn’t pull it together in the fifth.
Player Reactions
After securing his spot in the quarter-finals, Dimitrov expressed how challenging the match was: “I think that was the big difference today, and after that, I ran with the match. But it was very, very challenging.”
Meanwhile, Rublev’s antics were a talking point, having also exhibited similar behavior at the French Open and Wimbledon this year. His mental game is becoming a significant factor in his performances, and it clearly played a role in this match.
Looking Ahead
In the next round, Dimitrov will face American Frances Tiafoe, who wowed the local crowd with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-3 victory over Alexei Popyrin. The stakes are high as both players aim for a spot in the US Open semi-finals.
On another note, Alexander Zverev, who is also in the quarter-finals, displayed his prowess by coming from a set down to beat Brandon Nakashima. He stated, “I knew I had to step up my game and play more aggressive.”
With so much tennis action ahead, fans are eager to see how these matches unfold.
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Yours truly, Mia