Tennis

The US Open quarterfinals on Tuesday feature tantalizing matchups as Alexander Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov, Taylor Fritz, and Frances Tiafoe vie for a spot in the semifinals.Zverev, the fourth seed, faces Fritz, the 12th seed, in a rematch of their Wimbledon clash. Zverev, a two-time US Open finalist, seeks his third semifinal appearance in New York. Fritz, who defeated Zverev at Wimbledon, aims to reach his first Slam semifinal.Dimitrov, the ninth seed, takes on Tiafoe, the 20th seed. Dimitrov, a former world number three, seeks his second US Open semifinal after reaching the last four in 2019. Tiafoe, a crowd favorite, is in the quarterfinals for the third consecutive year and hopes to repeat his 2022 semifinal run.In the women's draw, world number two Aryna Sabalenka faces Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. Sabalenka, the 2023 Australian Open runner-up, seeks her fourth consecutive US Open quarterfinal. Zheng, who defeated defending champion Coco Gauff, aims to avenge her Australian Open final loss to Sabalenka.Paula Badosa, the 26th seed, takes on Emma Navarro, the 13th seed. Badosa, a New York native, is in her first US Open quarterfinal. Navarro, who knocked out Gauff, seeks her first Slam semifinal.

Grigor Dimitrov has etched his name in tennis history by becoming the first player born in 1990 or later to achieve both 450 career wins and 300 hard-court victories. The Bulgarian star accomplished this remarkable feat by overcoming a spirited challenge from Andrey Rublev in a thrilling five-set battle at the US Open.Dimitrov's 6-3, 7-6 (3), 1-6, 3-6, 6-3 triumph not only propelled him to his second US Open quarterfinal but also marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career. With 450 wins, he surpasses Alexander Zverev as the first player born in the 1990s to reach this milestone.Moreover, Dimitrov's 300th hard-court win sets him apart as the only player born in his generation to achieve this feat. His dominance on this surface is evident in his impressive record, which includes victories at the 2017 ATP Finals and the 2018 Cincinnati Masters.Dimitrov's success is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent. He has consistently performed at the highest level, reaching eight Grand Slam quarterfinals and winning eight ATP Tour titles. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and surfaces has made him a formidable opponent for any player.As Dimitrov continues his journey at the US Open, he will face another formidable challenge in the quarterfinals against Daniil Medvedev. The Russian star is known for his relentless baseline play and exceptional defense. However, Dimitrov's experience and recent form suggest that he has the potential to upset Medvedev and advance to the semifinals.Regardless of the outcome of his remaining matches, Dimitrov has already cemented his place as one of the most successful players of his generation. His achievements at the US Open are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities.

Grigor Dimitrov has been in impressive form at the US Open, cruising through his first two matches with ease. However, he faces a tougher test in the third round against Tallon Griekspoor, who has also shown signs of improvement in New York.Dimitrov, the 20th seed, has yet to drop a set in the tournament, dispatching qualifier Kyrian Jacquet and Rinky Hijikata in straight sets. The Bulgarian is known for his all-court game and powerful groundstrokes, which have been on full display at Flushing Meadows.Griekspoor, on the other hand, has had a more up-and-down season but has found his rhythm in New York. The Dutchman, ranked 46th in the world, has won his first two matches in straight sets, including an impressive victory over world No. 23 Sebastian Baez.While Dimitrov is the clear favorite, Griekspoor has the potential to make this a competitive match. The Dutchman possesses a big serve and solid groundstrokes, and he has shown a willingness to go for his shots.One key factor in this match will be the ability to hold serve. Dimitrov is one of the best in the world at holding his serve, while Griekspoor is also a solid server. If both players are able to hold serve consistently, this match could go the distance.Another factor to consider is the amount of time spent on court. Griekspoor has spent significantly less time on court than Dimitrov in the first two rounds, which could give him an advantage in the later stages of the match.Overall, Dimitrov is the more experienced and talented player, but Griekspoor has the potential to make this a close match. If Griekspoor can serve well and keep Dimitrov off balance, he could cover the 6.5-game spread.

Grigor Dimitrov, the former world No. 3, is defying the odds and continuing to chase his Grand Slam dream at the age of 33. Despite being labeled a "veteran," Dimitrov prefers to be known as a "young 33."Dimitrov's longevity in the sport is a testament to his unwavering self-belief. Even during periods of struggle, he has always maintained confidence in his abilities. This belief has been instrumental in his recent resurgence, which began with a title run in Brisbane at the start of 2024.The Bulgarian has made significant changes to his training regimen, working closely with physical coach Sebastian Durand to improve his fitness. This has allowed him to play at a consistently high level throughout the season, reaching the Miami Open final and completing a set of Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances in Paris.Dimitrov's commitment to routine has also been key to his success. He follows a strict schedule, waking up early and prioritizing his on-court preparation. This disciplined approach has helped him optimize his performance and minimize the impact of age-related factors.Despite his age, Dimitrov remains hungry for success. He is eager to make good on the "Baby Fed" nickname bestowed upon him early in his career. He believes that he still has the potential to win a Grand Slam title and is determined to keep pushing himself until he can no longer compete at the highest level.Dimitrov's journey is an inspiration to all athletes, proving that age is just a number when it comes to achieving your dreams. With his unwavering belief, commitment to excellence, and relentless pursuit of greatness, Dimitrov continues to defy expectations and chase his ultimate goal.

The one-handed backhand, a once-ubiquitous stroke in tennis, has faced a decline in recent years. However, a group of ATP Tour stars, including Grigor Dimitrov, Lorenzo Musetti, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, are determined to keep the shot alive.In a humorous tribute video, these players poked fun at the challenges of transitioning to a two-handed backhand. Dimitrov joked about the difficulties of using two hands for everyday tasks, such as brushing teeth and eating lunch.Despite the lighthearted tone, the video underscores the players' commitment to preserving the one-handed backhand. Dimitrov, now 33, has long been a vocal advocate for the shot. Earlier this year, he declared himself the "biggest supporter" of the one-handed backhand.In February, for the first time since the inception of the ATP rankings in 1973, there were no players with a one-handed backhand ranked in the Top 10. However, Dimitrov and Tsitsipas have since rectified that situation.Dimitrov believes that the one-handed backhand is a unique and beautiful shot that deserves to be preserved. He encourages other players to continue using the shot and pushing its boundaries."I think the beauty of the one hand is just there's so much to it in order to hit the ball right with one hand," Dimitrov said.The one-handed backhand may be facing challenges, but it is far from dead. With players like Dimitrov, Musetti, and Tsitsipas leading the charge, the shot is sure to continue to grace the courts for years to come.

Grigor Dimitrov and Andrey Rublev's Bromance Takes Center Stage in MontrealGrigor Dimitrov and Andrey Rublev, the ATP Tour's beloved bromance, reunited in Montreal, much to the delight of fans. During Rublev's post-match interview with Tennis Channel, Dimitrov made a surprise appearance, interrupting the conversation with a playful grin."My love Grigor is here also," Rublev exclaimed, adding, "Now I cannot talk because you're here!"Dimitrov joined Rublev on screen, congratulating him on his victory. The pair's affectionate display showcased their close bond, which has become a fan favorite on the tour.Dimitrov, seeded seventh, had earlier defeated Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in straight sets. Rublev, seeded fifth, had also secured a victory in his opening match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.The bromance between Dimitrov and Rublev has been well-documented, with the duo often sharing heartfelt messages and gestures of support. In a recent birthday message to Rublev, Dimitrov praised his friend's authenticity and vulnerability.Rublev's decision to skip the Paris Olympics in favor of hard-court practice appears to be paying off. After a string of disappointing results, he has regained his form, reaching the semifinals in Umag and quarterfinals in Washington D.C."We felt like mentally I was not ready to play," Rublev explained. "We decided to give priority to my (singles) career. We took time off to try to recover a bit mentally."Rublev will face American qualifier Brandon Nakashima in the third round, a rematch of their Barcelona encounter where Nakashima upset the Russian.The Dimitrov-Rublev bromance continues to captivate fans, adding a touch of warmth and camaraderie to the competitive world of tennis.

Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, is set to make his singles return at the National Bank Open in Montreal after recovering from an abductor tear sustained at Wimbledon. While Dimitrov has a formidable record this season, his extended absence from competition raises questions about his immediate form.Dimitrov's impressive 32-12 record since the start of 2024 has earned him a high winning percentage of 72.7%, his best since 2014. Prior to his injury, he showcased exceptional serving and baseline dominance. However, his month-long layoff and the transition from grass to hard courts may hinder his ability to regain his pre-injury level quickly.On the other hand, Rinky Hijikata, Dimitrov's second-round opponent, has been in impressive form. The Australian qualifier has won seven of his last 12 matches, including a dominant 6-1, 7-5 victory over Taro Daniel in the first round of the National Bank Open. Hijikata's powerful ball-striking and ability to punish opponents make him a formidable threat.The conditions in Montreal favor Hijikata's style of play, and his experience of having already played three singles matches at the venue gives him an advantage over Dimitrov, who will be making his first singles appearance since his injury.While Dimitrov holds a previous victory over Hijikata in Brisbane earlier this year, the Australian has improved significantly since then. Given Dimitrov's lack of match fitness and Hijikata's current form, it is worth considering the possibility of Hijikata winning a set in their upcoming encounter.

Coco Gauff, the American tennis prodigy, has reached a significant milestone in her career by spending her 100th consecutive week in the Top 10 of the WTA rankings. This achievement places her among the elite players in the world and highlights her remarkable consistency.Gauff's journey to the Top 10 began in September 2022 when she reached the quarterfinals of the US Open. Since then, she has maintained her position among the top players, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. Her current streak is the fourth-longest active streak in the WTA Top 10, behind Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Jessica Pegula.Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, has also achieved a notable milestone by spending his 100th career week in the Top 10 of the ATP rankings. However, his time in the elite has been divided into five separate stints. Dimitrov's resurgence this year has been impressive, as he has won 20 of his first 25 matches and reached the semifinals or better at four of six tournaments.Hubert Hurkacz, the Polish tennis player, has reached a new career-high ranking of No. 6, becoming the highest-ranked Polish player in ATP rankings history. Hurkacz's rise is a testament to his consistent performances and his ability to challenge the top players in the world.Sebastian Korda, the American tennis player, has also made a significant jump in the rankings, rising from No. 22 to No. 18 after winning the biggest title of his career in Washington D.C. Korda's victory is a sign of his growing potential and his ability to compete at the highest level.Paula Badosa, the former world No. 2, has made a remarkable comeback from a back injury by winning her first WTA title in more than two-and-a-half years. Badosa's victory in Washington D.C. has propelled her up the rankings from No. 62 to No. 40, demonstrating her resilience and determination.The achievements of Gauff, Dimitrov, Hurkacz, Korda, and Badosa highlight the depth of talent and competitiveness in the world of tennis. These players continue to push the boundaries of the sport and inspire future generations of athletes.

Grigor Dimitrov's Wimbledon campaign came to an abrupt end in the fourth round when he was forced to retire against Daniil Medvedev due to an abductor tear in his left leg. The Bulgarian revealed the extent of his injury on social media, expressing disappointment but remaining optimistic about his recovery.Dimitrov's injury occurred during the first set of the match, when he slipped and fell on the grass-court surface. Despite receiving treatment, he was unable to continue after just eight games, with Medvedev leading 5-3. The premature exit was a setback for Dimitrov, who had been enjoying a resurgent year.In April, he returned to the ATP Top 10 for the first time in over five years, reaching the final of the Miami Masters 1000. He also completed the career set of Grand Slam quarterfinals with a run to the last eight at Roland Garros.Dimitrov's injury is a significant blow to his hopes of continuing his strong form. He is currently on the entry list for the ATP and WTA 500 event in Washington, D.C., which begins on July 27. However, his participation is now in doubt.The Bulgarian remains ineligible to play in the Paris Olympics, having not represented Bulgaria in Davis Cup since 2015. Despite the setback, Dimitrov expressed gratitude for the support he has received and vowed to return to action soon."Looking forward to getting back out there!" the 33-year-old wrote on social media.