Grigor Dimitrov qualified for the quarterfinals of the US Open 2024 after five-set battle with Andrey Rublev
Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) achieved one of the most important and dramatic victories of his career, after overcoming a five-set duel with world’s number 6 Andrey Rublev (Russia) and qualifying for the quarterfinals of the US Open 2024.
Grigor Dimitrov took a 2-0 lead in the set after 6:3, 7:6(3), but then a physical collapse occurred in the third and fourth – 1:6, 3:6. The Bulgarian tennis player made a decisive break in the fifth set and with a convincing serve until the end secured his eighth career Grand Slam quarterfinal.
The 33-year-old Bulgarian is the oldest remaining tennis player in the US Open, having already won 97 Grand Slam matches and a total of 450 matches in his career in ATP tournaments.
“I think that in the first two sets I played very well. However, my body started to break down for some reason. I knew he wouldn’t give up and would keep fighting. I had to stay patient and give myself time to overcome these issues. This was the moment when experience spoke for itself. Of course, the incredible atmosphere also contributed”, said Grigor Dimitrov in the interview on the court. “I’m enjoying the moment. I’ve had difficult weeks. I’ve been putting my body through a lot of stress, but I’m always trying to improve in every situation and become a more complete player. I feel very mature. It’s a battle you fight every day. Experience is very important in our sport. If I was 5-6 years ago, I would have lost this match. Now I knew what I had to do. I spoke after the match with Serena Williams, she told me important things. The center court is an amazing place, I love playing here”, added he.
