Tennis

In a thrilling Paris Masters match that spanned Halloween and Friday, Grigor Dimitrov narrowly escaped defeat against Arthur Rinderknech, keeping his 2024 season alive.Rinderknech, a wild card entrant, had impressed with five ATP Masters 1000 wins this week. He pushed Dimitrov to the brink, winning the second set and forcing a nail-biting tiebreak in the third.The decider was a tense affair, with neither player able to break serve. The tiebreak saw a remarkable sequence of seven consecutive points won by the server. However, Rinderknech's momentum was halted when he conceded a mini-break with a long backhand slice.Dimitrov seized the opportunity, using his signature inside-out forehand to create an opening and block a backhand volley into the open court. Rinderknech's mistimed swing gave Dimitrov the advantage, and an unreturnable serve sealed the victory.Dimitrov, a finalist in Paris last year, remains in contention for the ATP Finals in Turin. He needs to win the tournament or reach the final to qualify, with two ATP 250 events in Belgrade and Metz next week offering additional opportunities.Other ATP Finals contenders, Alex de Minaur, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Holger Rune, have already advanced to the quarterfinals. De Minaur has overtaken Andrey Rublev for the No. 8 spot, while Tsitsipas and Rune must win the Paris Masters to have a chance of making the prestigious eight-man field.

Alex de Minaur's pursuit of a maiden Nitto ATP Finals berth has taken a significant step forward with his impressive performance at the Rolex Paris Masters. The Australian has moved into a qualifying position after avenging his US Open quarterfinal defeat to Jack Draper in a thrilling three-set encounter.De Minaur's victory over Draper, who had won the Vienna title the previous week, was a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite losing the opening set, the 25-year-old rallied back to claim the next two sets and secure a spot in the quarterfinals.With his victory, De Minaur has leapfrogged Andrey Rublev for the No. 8 spot in the race to Turin. If he advances to the semifinals, he will overtake Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud to further improve his chances of qualifying for the season-ending event.Grigor Dimitrov and Stefanos Tsitsipas remain in contention to shake up the race leaderboard, but De Minaur's performance in Paris has put him in a strong position. The Australian is aiming to become the first man from his nation to qualify for the ATP Finals in twenty years, following in the footsteps of his mentor Lleyton Hewitt.De Minaur's success in Paris is a continuation of his impressive season, which has seen him reach the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters and win the Atlanta Open. His consistent performances have solidified his status as one of the rising stars of the ATP Tour.As the Rolex Paris Masters progresses, De Minaur will face a tough challenge in the quarterfinals against either 2022 champion Holger Rune or French lucky loser Arthur Cazaux. However, the Australian has shown that he has the game and the determination to overcome any obstacle in his path to Turin.

Tomas Machac's impressive fall swing continues with a hard-fought victory over Grigor Dimitrov at the Erste Bank Open. The 24-year-old Czech, who has been in top form since recovering from an illness, outlasted the No. 3 seed in a thrilling three-set battle.Machac's focus and determination were evident throughout the match. Despite losing the first set in a tiebreaker, he remained composed and fought back to win the second and third sets. His resilience was particularly impressive in the second set, where he won a game without even realizing it."I'm really happy I can play against the best ones, especially like a Grigor," said Machac, who is nine years younger than the former world No. 3. "I was really happy with my performance, and I think both players because I think Grigor was playing also good. It was a great match and I was really happy I could play against him because I was watching him on television when I was really young."Machac's victory over Dimitrov marks his fourth Top 10 win of the season. Earlier this year, he defeated Novak Djokovic on clay in Geneva and won Olympic gold in mixed doubles with Katerina Siniakova.With his ranking now just below a career-high of No. 25, Machac is building an impressive resume. He will next face No. 7 seed Jack Draper, who he has a 1-1 head-to-head record against.For Dimitrov, the defeat hinders his chances of returning to the ATP Finals. Currently ranked No. 10 in the PIF Race to Turin, the Bulgarian trails both Andrey Rublev and Alex de Minaur, who are both still able to earn points in Basel and Vienna, respectively.

Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, has found his sanctuary in Vienna, where he has consistently participated in the Erste Bank Open for the past seven years. The city's charm, with its pristine air, aromatic coffee, and captivating architecture, provides Dimitrov with the ideal environment to recharge and perform at his best."Vienna is a fantastic city with a rich history," Dimitrov said in an exclusive interview with TENNIS.com. "I enjoy exploring the streets and immersing myself in the local culture. The tournament organizers have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, creating a home-like atmosphere."Dimitrov's quest for a fourth Erste Bank Open title began with a hard-fought victory over Zhang Zhizhen. He will next face Tomas Machac, Zhang's doubles partner in Vienna. After a groin injury hampered his US Open campaign, Dimitrov has gradually regained his form, reaching the semifinals in Stockholm."It's been a challenging year, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to compete at this level," Dimitrov said. "The competition is fierce, and everyone is playing well."Dimitrov emphasizes the importance of self-care in maintaining his physical and mental well-being. He starts his day with breathing exercises, movement, and a cup of coffee. He also values spending time with family and connecting with nature."Finding your own balance is crucial," Dimitrov advised. "And one thing I highly recommend is putting away your phone in the morning. It helps clear your mind and focus on the present."Dimitrov's dedication to self-care has paid dividends. He is currently ranked 10th in the ATP Race to Turin, putting him in contention for a spot at the Nitto ATP Finals. His last appearance at the prestigious event was in 2017, where he claimed the biggest title of his career.As the 2024 season approaches, Dimitrov is poised to make a strong case for ATP Comeback Player of the Year. His consistent performances and unwavering determination have kept him in the hunt for major titles and a return to the pinnacle of the sport.

Grigor Dimitrov, the world No. 10, has achieved another career milestone by recording his 100th indoor win. The Bulgarian star reached the century mark with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory over Swiss lefty Dominic Stricker in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event in Stockholm.Dimitrov, born in 1991, is the first man born in 1990 or later to achieve this feat. He joins an elite group of players who have won 100 or more matches indoors, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.Dimitrov's indoor success is a testament to his all-court ability. He has won titles on all surfaces, including the ATP Finals in 2017. His indoor record is particularly impressive, as he has won over 70% of his matches on this surface.Dimitrov's victory in Stockholm is a continuation of his strong form in 2022. He has already reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. He is also the defending champion at the Vienna Open, which will be held later this month.With his 100th indoor win, Dimitrov has cemented his status as one of the most successful players of his generation. He is a threat on all surfaces and is capable of winning any tournament he enters.

Grigor Dimitrov, the former world No. 3, exacted revenge on Alexei Popyrin in the first round of the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday. Popyrin, who had upset Dimitrov in the Canadian Masters 1000 two months prior, was no match for the Bulgarian this time around.Dimitrov, now 33, secured a hard-fought 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory over the 23-year-old Australian. The first set was a nail-biter, with both players holding serve until the tie-break. Dimitrov eventually prevailed in the tie-break, setting the tone for the rest of the match.In the second set, Dimitrov broke Popyrin's serve twice to take a commanding lead. Popyrin managed to hold serve once, but it was not enough to prevent Dimitrov from closing out the match in straight sets.The victory marked a significant milestone for Dimitrov, as it was his 40th win of the year. This is the fourth time in his career that he has achieved this feat, and the first time he has done so in back-to-back years.Dimitrov's win-loss record over the past 17 years highlights his consistency and longevity at the top level of tennis. He has won at least 18 matches every year since 2011, and has reached the 40-win mark four times.With his victory over Popyrin, Dimitrov has now advanced to the second round of the Shanghai Masters, where he will face either Andy Murray or Alexander Bublik.

Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Grigor Dimitrov: A Love Match in the Making?Love Island and Traitors star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has sparked dating rumors with world No. 10 tennis player Grigor Dimitrov. The speculation began after the pair were spotted together in Paris and at various tennis events this summer.Cülcüloğlu initially appeared shocked when asked about the rumors on Watch What Happens Live, but later stated, "We're friends, we stay in touch, and that's my private life." However, British tabloid Daily Mail reported that the couple has been "secretly dating" since the US Open.Sources claim that Cülcüloğlu and Dimitrov have been keeping their relationship low-key, but their chemistry and affection for each other have been evident. The reality star has also been showing a newfound interest in tennis, attending Wimbledon and practicing at Dimitrov's training ground in Monte Carlo.Dimitrov, 33, has enjoyed a resurgence in his career this season, returning to the Top 10 and reaching two major quarterfinals. He has yet to comment on the dating rumors.If the rumors prove true, it could be a blow to Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev, who has reportedly been smitten with Cülcüloğlu.

Grigor Dimitrov, the world No. 10 tennis player, has taken on an additional role at the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin: Team Europe's DJ. Dimitrov's eclectic music tastes, ranging from Linkin Park to Hans Zimmer, have made him the perfect choice for the job.Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dimitrov's teammate, revealed his unofficial title during an on-court interview after his opening singles victory on Friday. Tsitsipas praised Dimitrov's playlist, saying he had introduced him to new and cool songs.Dimitrov's musical contributions have added to the already vibrant atmosphere at the Laver Cup. The Bulgarian's love for music is well-known, and he has often shared his playlists with fans on social media.Tsitsipas's victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis was a significant moment for the Greek player. It was his first match win since July, and he credited outgoing Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg for his improved performance."I came on the court with a big sense of determination from the very beginning," Tsitsipas said. "I really didn't want to repeat what happened at the US Open."Tsitsipas expressed his gratitude to Borg, saying he wanted to make him proud. He also joked that the Swede should be his new coach.The Laver Cup is a unique event that brings together the best players from Europe and the rest of the world. The tournament is played over three days and features a variety of singles and doubles matches.Team Europe has won the Laver Cup four times in a row, and they will be looking to extend their streak in Berlin. With Dimitrov providing the soundtrack and Tsitsipas playing with renewed confidence, Team Europe is well-positioned to continue their dominance.

Grigor Dimitrov and Novak Djokovic Reunite for Tennis Gala in SofiaOn Tuesday, Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov welcomed 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic to Sofia for a special exhibition match. The "Tennis Gala" raised funds for Dimitrov's foundation, which supports underprivileged children in Bulgaria.The event showcased the close bond between the two players, who have developed a warm and respectful friendship over the years. At a joint press conference, they sported matching graffiti denim jackets designed by Bulgarian designer Vladimir Nikolov.On the court, the match featured more than just competitive tennis. Dimitrov engaged in an extended shirt change that turned into a playful striptease, much to the amusement of the crowd. Djokovic, known for his vocal performances, led the crowd in song before leaving the court.Dimitrov and Djokovic have a history of supporting each other. In 2014, Djokovic interrupted Dimitrov's press conference to declare him "the best looking guy on tour." When Dimitrov finished runner-up at the 2021 Rolex Paris Masters, Djokovic paused his interview to offer comfort to his friend.In a recent ATP video, Djokovic teased Dimitrov about his obsession with Van Cleef bracelets. Dimitrov retorted that Djokovic couldn't handle the amount of bling he wore. Djokovic later revealed that his son, Stefan, had been asking for a Van Cleef bracelet after seeing Dimitrov's collection.Dimitrov will now head to Berlin for the Laver Cup, while Djokovic is expected to compete in the Shanghai Masters 1000 event. The "Tennis Gala" in Sofia was a testament to the enduring friendship between two of the most successful tennis players of their generation.