Grigor Dimitrov is through to the semifinals of the ABN AMRO Open. The sixth seed edged out a three-set victory over Alexander Shevchenko 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4.
Dimitrov, 32, is world No. 13. His career-high ranking is world No.3, after becoming the first debutant to go 5-0 en route to the Nitto ATP Finals since McEnroe in 1978.
He is the top-ranked Bulgarian in history and the only champion from his country, winning 9 titles, including the 2017 ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati.
Alexander Shevchenko, 23, is world No. 57, with a career high of No. 48 in December 2023 after ending the season with his first ATP Tour final at Metz.
Shevchenko saved two match points to earn his first Top Ten win over No. 9 Fritz to reach his first ATP Tour quarterfinal at 2023 Basel, and then defeated No. 7 Rune for his biggest win of his career to reach the 2024 Rotterdam quarterfinal.
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In the first set, there wasn’t a break point. And there was very little between them. In the tiebreaker, though, the more experienced Dimitrov was impressive, striking the ball cleanly.
In the second set, Shevchenko broke in the second game, playing with fire and freedom. He is battler, who plays with passion. This week in Rotterdam was my first time seeing him play, and he’s so fun to watch. Though he has a slight frame, his game is powerful. He has an explosive serve that is also accurate, hitting the corners.
In the deciding set, they stayed on serve until 5-4, when the pure-striking Dimitrov broke at love.
For the match, Dimitrov hit 27 winners and 30 unforced errors, while Shevchenko hit 26 winners and 26 unforced errors. Dimitrov struck eight aces and two double faults. Shevchenko struck 15 aces and one double fault.
The stats reflect just how close the match was. Ultimately, for Dimitrov, it was his spectacular play in the first-set tiebreaker and the final game that made all the difference.
Next up for Dimitrov is fifth seed Australian Alex de Minaur.
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