Hope alive: Grigor Dimitrov tightens the Race To Turin | ATP Tour

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Hope alive: Dimitrov tightens the Race To Turin

Rune also advanced to 3R of the Rolex Paris Masters

October 30, 2024

Grigor Dimitrov knows like few players the secrets of the Rolex Paris Masters, the indoor event that is taking his attention this week. In the last ATP Masters 1000 of the season, one of the most special stages of his career, the current runner-up wants to unleash all his talent and sign a milestone at the buzzer: the ticket to the Nitto ATP Finals.

The Bulgarian faced a gigantic warm-up this Thursday, coming back 6-7(9), 6-3, 7-5 against the Argentine Tomás Martín Etcheverry in one of the most intense matches of the tournament. Dimitrov had to take a break from the South American’s enormous punch, against whom he withstood a storm of 17 aces to achieve victory without surrendering serve. The European’s mental strength was palpable in the French capital, shaking his hands after two hours and 45 minutes of effort.

“The conditions are tough, the end of the season is always very complicated,” acknowledged Dimitrov, who is 12-0 in his opening rounds in Paris. “Everyone arrives ready to completely empty the tank.”

“He played a wonderful first set. I’m far from the level I want, but I’m making adjustments. Trying to win matches this way is much better for me than getting a quick match. I’m very happy with the fight. I want to win every match, but If I’m able to show that spirit, I’m in a good position.”

Dimitrov competes in Bercy with a chance to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals. The Bulgarian, currently ranked No. 10 in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, needs to reach the final in Paris to be eligible for a direct access spot to the masters tournament at the end of the week. Grigor has failed to qualify for the season finale event since winning the tournament during his debut in the 2017 season.

“I would love to be [en Turín]. I am in a position where I can still be a candidate. I’m still fighting against the best players in the world, and beating younger guys. This gives me confidence and makes me happy.”

Dimitrov could surpass Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev, who will not score more points this week, if he manages to lift the trophy in the French capital. Before thinking about that horizon, the Bulgarian will face the French guest Arthur Rinderknech in the third round of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Alex De Minaur, seeded No. 9, also reached the round of 16 by beating Serbian lucky loser Miomir Kecmanovic by a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6 (5) this Wednesday at the Accor Arena.

For the Australian it was an important victory for his aspirations of making his debut in the season-ending tournament. The Australian, who is currently ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, would move past eighth-placed Andrey Rublev if he manages to advance one more round in Paris.

Rune does not lose face in Turin
Holger Rune’s chances of being at the Nitto ATP Finals are remote, but mathematically it is still possible for the Dane. And this is thanks to the victory he signed this Wednesday in the second round in Paris against Alexander Bublik 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 11 minutes.

The Dane is classified as No. 13 in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin with 2,725 points and could reach 3,625 if he manages to win this ATP Masters 1000 as he already did in 2022. That would leave him just 95 points away from 3,720 that No. 8 Andrey Rublev has – who marks the cut line and is already eliminated – with one more week left with two ATP 250 tournaments at stake.

Rune will continue to play his options in the French capital against the local lucky loser Arthur Cazaux or the American Ben Shelton.

Did you know that…?
Grigor Dimitrov has an ATP Masters 1000 title on his professional record. The Bulgarian lifted the Cincinnati Open trophy in the 2017 season, signing one of the great feats of his sporting career. This week he will try to become the 10th active player with multiple trophies in the gold category of the ATP Tour.