ATP Rankings: Alexander Zverev Stands in the Way of Grigor Dimitrov Achieving Peak Glory Since 2018

The Bulgarian tennis star, Grigor Dimitrov deprived Carlos Alcaraz of completing the ‘Sunshine Double’ by defeating him in the QF of the 2024 Miami Open. This victory over the world no.2 marked Grigor Dimitrov’s 40th top 10 win and he has now reached the SF of the Miami Open for the first time in his career. Dimitrov is now also a step closer to making a return to the Top 10 of men’s singles ranking after a long gap.

It took Grigor Dimitrov only 1 hour and 32 minutes to seal the deal against the Spaniard by a margin of 6-2,6-4. Next up for the Bulgarian is world number 5, Alexander Zverev. Can Dimitrov overcome this German hurdle and make his way into the Top 10 as well as the finals of the tournament?

Grigor Dimitrov has a big opportunity to fulfill his 6-year-long wish

Grigor Dimitrov became the world number 3 in 2017. But he was dropped to the number 19 spot at the end of 2018. Since then, he had to wait almost 6 years to get the perfect opportunity to climb back into the Top 10. And, now the stage has finally arrived for Dimitrov in Miami. It’s up to him now, whether he takes that opportunity or leaves it against Alexander Zverev. But looking at his current form, nothing is impossible.

Carlos Alcaraz said that Grigor Dimitrov made him feel like 13 years old. The 32-year-old tennis star said to win against Alcaraz, one needs to play at his best. “I came in very focused and extremely clear on what I had to do, and sometimes simplicity is genius—it’s hard to do it when you’re playing someone like him, though,” Grigor Dimitrov. He stated that he was happy to finish the game in straight sets against the number 2. His happiness can creep up further with a win in the SF.

Earlier this year, Grigor Dimitrov claimed his first ATP title in more than 6 years at the Brisbane International. So, this year seems to be finally the year the Bulgarian was looking for. Despite Alexander Zverev leading the H2H with a 7-1 margin, Dimitrov has the potential to give the German a tough fight in the SF. What are his thoughts on his journey so far?

“never thought I wouldn’t win a tournament..” -Dimitrov after winning the Brisbane International

Grigor Dimitrov has an enormous belief in his abilities. After winning the Brisbane International earlier this year, he said, “So much happened over the course of those years. I never thought that I wouldn’t win a tournament ever again. I knew I would do it and I was knocking on the door so many times.” He went on to add, “I played nine semi-finals, made a couple of finals last year. I hoped that things would turn and shift for me. You just don’t know when these things will come.”

Even before the AO, Dimitrov said that he didn’t want to think too far ahead or that 2024 might be the year he was looking for over these periods. He only hopes that this year is filled with good memories, good matches, good wins, and some important losses to keep himself improving. Dimitrov believes good things will happen with time. Do you think the former world number 3 can make it to the Top 10 in Miami itself?

READ MORE: ‘Baby Federer Giving Peak Federer Vibes’- Tennis World Erupts as Grigor Dimitrov Shocks Carlos Alcaraz With His Scintillating Touch