Qualifier Aslan Karatsev Creates History After Stunning Grigor Dimitrov To Reach Australian Open 2021 Semifinals

Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov took on the 114th ranked player in the world, Aslan Karatsev, in the quarterfinal of the Australian Open 2021. It was their first-ever meeting and the Russian player displayed an exceptional level of gameplay. At the end of the match, he came on top, winning 2-6 6-4 6-1 6-2.

In the opening set, Dimitrov served in the first game and held serve. He performed at a high level during the entire set. During the set, Grigor served four aces, whereas his opponent registered three double faults. The Bulgarian broke the Russian player thrice in the first set and committed five unforced errors compared to Aslan’s nineteen. Dimitrov took the first set 6-2.

Aslan Karatsev Breaks Grigor Dimitrov in the Ninth Game of the Set

Dimitrov opened the second set and both players held their service to great effect. In the ninth game of the second set, Karatsev struck first blood and got the required break, putting him in a firm position to serve for the set. The Russian player came back into the match after winning the set 6-4. 

As the match got interesting, Aslan stepped up his game and broke Grigor thrice during the third set. He committed fewer unforced errors and won 86% of the points on his serve, which put him in the driver’s seat to seal the set. Dimitrov got broken in the third, fifth, and seventh game of the third set.

Aslan Karatsev Breaks Grigor Dimitrov Twice in the Fourth Set

In the fourth set, Karatsev began serving and held serve in the opening game. He got the needed break in the fourth game of the set, bringing himself closer to the finishing line. In the eighth game of the set, Aslan sealed the set and match, breaking Dimitrov for the second time, to claim the set 6-2. 

After that win, Karatsev booked a place in the semi-final for the first time in his career. He will take on the winner of the match between Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open 2021 semifinal.

Also Read: “Disappear Overnight”: Toni Nadal Takes a Dig at Novak Djokovic’s Injury at Australian Open 2021