WHAT HAPPENED: Two years ago, Grigor Dimitrov was in rarified company, trailing only Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the year-end rankings. He'd gone 5-0 at the ATP Finals, the first debutant to claim the title in nearly two decades. All seemed possible for the man once dubbed (perhaps unfairly) "Baby Fed."
But the results haven't come with much consistency, as of late. He arrived at the 2019 US Open saddled with a ranking of No. 78—in the eyes of many, himself included, far below his potential. But the 28-year-old Bulgarian is beginning to put it all together in Flushing, where he's into the quarterfinal for the first time. On Sunday afternoon in the Grandstand, Dimitrov flashed elite form in upending No. 38 Aussie Alex de Minaur, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, in two hours and five minutes.
"There not much to say other than I'm pleased to be back on the court pain free," said Dimitrov, who withdrew from four events earlier this year due to a right shoulder injury. "I'm just really happy right now. I've put a lot of miles on my legs, a lot of hours, a lot of practice. I'm excited. It's my first time in the quarterfinals."
Dimitrov would lead the way in most statistics, including winners (31-20), aces (5-3), break points won (3-0) and total points (101-89). He asserted himself both offensively and defensively in the opener, cueing up a set point with his opponent serving to stay in the set, down 5-6, 30-40. A wide forehand from de Minaur would give Dimitrov a one-set lead.
Dimitrov broke for 3-1 in the second set, and for 4-3 in the third.
De Minaur, who is mentored by 2001 US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt, opened the year with a title in his hometown of Sydney, and by March was ranked a career-high No. 24. Earlier this week, he spoke of his game coming together, of his desire to regularly push his way into the second weeks of Grand Slams. But he'll have to wait until the 2020 Australian Open for his next shot.
WHAT IT MEANS: Dimitrov’s career-best showing at the US Open means he'll next face Roger Federer, against whom he's winless in seven career head-to-head encounters. While Dimitrov is chasing only his third Grand Slam semifinal, his opponent seeks an Open era-record sixth title in Flushing Meadows. "I know Grigor very well. He's a good friend of mine," said Federer. "He had a bit of a slump. This is the big quarters for him, obviously, with an opportunity against me. I'm aware of the fact it's a big match for him. I've done well against him in the past. But new match, new Grigor, new me again. I like watching him. I like playing against him. When we play, it's as close as it gets to being a similar playing style."
MATCH POINT: Dimitrov is the top Bulgarian in ATP rankings history.
