Dimitrov Advances to First French Open Quarter-Final

Dimitrov Advances to First French Open Quarter-Final/X@Roland Garros

VoM News Desk | June 3, 2024 | 07:08 AM IST | Sports | Follow on Google News

Dimitrov Advances to First French Open Quarter-Final

Dimitrov Advances to First French Open Quarter-Final

Key Highlights:

1. Grigor Dimitrov reaches first French Open quarter-final.
2. Dimitrov defeats Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.
3. Dimitrov advances to quarter-finals in all four Grand Slam tournaments.

Grigor Dimitrov reached a significant milestone at the French Open 2024, advancing to his first quarter-final at the clay-court major with a 7-6(5), 6-4, 7-6(3) victory over Hubert Hurkacz. This win marks Dimitrov’s advancement to the final eight in each of the four Grand Slam competitions.

Despite suffering a severe fall late in the third set, which required treatment for his hand, the 33-year-old Bulgarian triumphed in two hours and 51 minutes on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. Dimitrov’s victory continued his dominance over Hurkacz, having won all six of their tour-level matches in the Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

“It’s very hard to play against such a good friend. I’ve known him for quite a few years. We practice a lot and we’ve had quite a few moments together. I knew it was going to be a difficult match, but I knew also that I had to fight a lot,” Dimitrov shared in his on-court interview. “I always wanted to get to that second week. Roland Garros was the only Slam where I felt that I could not get that extra step. But today, 15 years later, I made it, so I’m very happy with that.”

Dimitrov, the 10th seed, saved all five break points he faced in the first set, including three at 5-5, 0/40. After clinching the first-set tie-break, he maintained consistency over the next two sets and appeared to be cruising when he led 3-1 in the third. Hurkacz, aiming for his maiden quarter-final appearance at Roland Garros, forced a tie-break but couldn’t maintain his momentum. Dimitrov won the opening four points of the tie-break, securing the match despite Hurkacz’s 20 aces.

Reflecting on his game, Dimitrov said, “Especially when you play on a clay court here, you have to paint [a picture with your tennis]. You need to have finesse and also be able to read the court a little bit. Clay courts are always very tricky.” He added, “I like my chances, I like when I can use my body a lot and chase balls around the court. Use my slice, use my variety.”

Next, Dimitrov will face second seed Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals.

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