PREVIEW | 2024 Brisbane International ATP FINAL featuring Holger RUNE v Grigor DIMITROV
ATPSaturday, 06 January 2024 at 22:00
Holger Rune
and Grigor Dimitrov will headline the final of the 2024 Brisbane International,
marking the first official tournament of the year for both players. The Danish
world No. 8 and the Bulgarian No. 14 are the top two seeds in the ATP 250 event
that kicks off the year on hard courts. The final is set to take place on
Sunday, January 7th, as both players vie for their first title of the season.
In
Saturday's semifinals, the 20-year-old Rune secured his spot by defeating
Russian Roman Safiullin (No. 39) with a score of 6-4, 7-6(0), showcasing an
impressive performance on his serve. The Danish player capitalized on early
breaks in each set, allowing him to maintain a lead for virtually the entire
match.
Rune and Dimitrov's Journey in the Tournament
On the path
to the final, Rune overcame local player Max Purcell (4-6, 6-4, 6-2). Then, in
the round of 16, he defeated Aleksandr Schevchenko 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, and in the
quarterfinals faced another Australian, beating James Duckworth 6-2, 7-6(6).
The semifinal against Safiulin secured his place in the final, marking the
third consecutive season in which Rune reaches a final.
"It
was a good match," said Rune. "I started very well, broke him in the
first game of the match to immediately put that pressure on him, and in the
second set, I got the early break again. He broke me back, and it was a bit of
a tighter set, but I managed to stay with some good tennis in the tie-break
when it mattered," commented the former Paris-Masters champion.
At 32 years
old, Grigor Dimitrov later defeated Australian Jordan Thompson (No. 55) with a
score of 6-3, 7-5, eliminating Rafael Nadal's conqueror on Friday. The former
world No. 3 will compete in the third final of his career in Brisbane, eleven
years after reaching the last round for the first time (2013, 2017, 2024).
In addition
to overcoming Thompson in the semifinal, Dimitrov also defeated three-time
Grand Slam champion Andy Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. He then outplayed Daniel
Altmaier 6-1, 6-2, and in the quarterfinals, Rinky Hijikata (6-1, 6-4).
This will
be the third occasion that both players face each other, following their
encounters in 2023. In the Wimbledon round of 16, Rune secured victory by 3-6,
7-6, 7-6, and 6-3. In the same round in Beijing, Dimitrov emerged triumphant
with a score of 6-3 and 7-5.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- You should do a comparison article for "different kinds of justice" the courts decide for tennis players. I can think of at least three players who received very small bans of a few months, however Tara Moore has been fighting for her literal survival the past few years. It seems odd considering she is not a "name" player, unlike the other cases.DaveyWavey22-09-2026
- PRIZE MONEY & POINTS Winner - $185,500 Finalist - $114,500 Semi-Finalist - $66,003 Quarter-Finalist - $35,000 Round of 16 - $18,045 Round of 32 - $13,005 Winner - 500 Finalist - 325 Semi-Finalist - 195 Quarter-Finalist - 108 Round of 16 - 60 Round of 32 - 1DaveyWavey20-09-2026
- Pegula withdrew from this Singapore event
tennishappens19-09-2026 - Serena Williams chose her tournaments. It's not such a bad idea.MuswellHillbilly17-09-2026
- This child is just too fragile. Step away from tennis for a year. Get healthy, get fit; train hard;ranking be damned, and come back as strong contender. Anisimova did it. So can Emma.Rapunzel17-09-2026
- Double standards, what can be said!? Venus is p**ing on media and public. Can't face defeat. Cowerdness! Shouldn't be given any other wild cards ever. That's gross disrespect.DragosJacob16-09-2026
- Anywhere is better than Saudi Arabia!DaveyWavey16-09-2026
- He'd be a perfect coach for Rafael Jodar.DaveyWavey16-09-2026
- This financial 'chump-change' means nothing to Saba. Her vacuity likely cannot fathom the "problem" with her unprofessional actions and reactions in general. The racquet smash is not my focus. My focus was/is on her distasteful, totally unprofessional, disgusting facial expressions and eye-rolls while standing behind Elena as she spoke on the podium. This woman needs a degree of therapy for her True Attitude(s). She is not fooling anyone within the WTA circles with her post-match winner "humor" and smiley behavior. Her True Self comes out when losing a set/match and as a runner-up on the podium.
mandoist16-09-2026 - When will this repetitive "news" and wishful thinking stop?mandoist16-09-2026
Loading
