Grigor Dimitrov is through to the #MiamiOpen Semifinals for the first time! The Bulgarian picks up a 6-2, 6-4 win over Alcaraz and faces Zverev next.
MATCH REPORT | 2024 Miami Open: Grigor DIMITROV dispatches Carlos ALCARAZ in thrilling encounter
ATPFriday, 29 March 2024 at 12:34
Grigor Dimitrov (No. 12) surprised Carlos Alcaraz (No. 2) and dashed his Sunshine Double dreams. The Bulgarian advances to the semifinals of the Miami Open for the first time in his career and reaches the last 4 of a Masters 1000 for the 11th time in his career.
The start was electrifying with both players generating opportunities for the break, but the Bulgarian was better in crucial points and took a 3-0 lead after capitalizing on two of his four break points and saving two other chances from Alcaraz.
Dimitrov gave few chances to Alcaraz, who, despite putting up a good performance, simply couldn't keep up with the Bulgarian's pace. However, the Spaniard managed to rescue a couple of games on his serve but couldn't make an impact on the return. In the eighth game, Dimitrov had another break opportunity and seized it to claim the set convincingly 6-2.
Dimitrov was more aggressive and hit 12 winners compared to Alcaraz's 8, with only 4 unforced errors against 5 from his opponent. The former world No. 3 also constantly approached the net and won 8 out of 9 points in the approaches.
In the second set, it seemed like Alcaraz could mount a comeback as he came out with a positive attitude to fight for the set. However, the illusion didn't last long, and Dimitrov secured a break in his first opportunity in the fourth game. Effectiveness in crucial moments was on his side, and he led 4-1 thanks to his service.
The world No. 2 had a brief resurgence to win three consecutive games and level the set at 4-4. Nevertheless, he couldn't hold his serve afterward, and Dimitrov ultimately secured his fourth break to finish the match 6-2, 6-4.
Dimitrov's victory is indisputable as he experiences a resurgence and approaches the best form of his career. The Bulgarian is set to advance to world No. 11, and in the semifinals, he will face Alexander Zverev (No. 4), who has quietly made his way in Miami and comes off a comfortable victory over Fabian Maroszan by 6-3, 7-5.
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