His chronic irregularity tends to make him sometimes forgotten, but Grigor Dimitrov remains a magnificent tennis player. And this Wednesday, the Bulgarian reminded everyone of this by beating the world number 2 and seeded 1 of the tournament, Carlos Alcaraz, brilliantly in Shanghai. While the loss of a first set which he had also largely dominated could have made him sink, the 19th in the ATP on the contrary revolted to win in three sets (5-7, 6- 2, 6-4) and 2h10 of play in the round of 16. For a place in the last four of the Chinese Masters 1000, he will face Nicolas Jarry.
It is one of the enigmas of the circuit. When we see him in such a state, offering such quality of tennis, it is difficult not to regret that Grigor Dimitrov does not have a more extensive record at 32 years old. The Bulgarian’s inconsistency, particularly on a mental level, prevented him from becoming what his natural talent could have destined him to, racket in hand. But occasionally, he still happens to amaze with his flashes and extraordinary qualities, often when we least expect him. This was the case this Wednesday.
Because let’s be honest, his record against Carlos Alcaraz before this duel – three defeats in as many matches and no sets won – didn’t really speak in his favor. So when Dimitrov failed to conclude the first set on his serve at 5-3, ultimately giving up the last four games and the set, it was very difficult to believe in the feat. But he believed in it and that’s the main thing. Not at all dejected by the turn of events, he returned to the fight with a vengeance to seize the opponent’s service at the start of the second act (5-7, 2-0).
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