Having powered their way to the Miami Open presented by Itau championship match, second seed Jannik Sinner and former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov will clash on Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium, eyeing a maiden crown at the Masters 100 event.
On Friday afternoon, the Italian neutralized defending champion Daniil Medvedev to earn a straight-set win in only 69 minutes, becoming the youngest player to reach three finals, two in a row, at the Masters 1000 event held in Miami Gardens.
In his post-match press conference, Sinner shared his thoughts on the upcoming final challenge: “It’s just to enjoy the moment because it’s a great day, Sundays, for tennis players. If you’re still in the tournament, it means that it’s the best day, an exciting day. I’m just trying to enjoy this moment.”
“It’s the third time that I can play the final here in Miami, which is an amazing achievement for me, personally, and then hopefully, I can lift once the bigger trophy. If not, it was again a great result, a great opportunity, and that’s it.”
Later in the night session, it would be Dimitrov’s turn to shine bright, seeing off World No. 5 Alexander Zverev 6-4, (4)6-7, 6-4, achieving his first final at the tournament.
Moreover, the Bulgarian outstanding campaign in Florida, which included upsets over former Miami winner Hubert Hurkacz, top seed Carlos Alcaraz, and the German player, will lead him to crack back into the Top 10 in the Rankings after five years at age 32.
A volley from the ground to break Zverev, earning a 4-3 lead in the third set, reflects the work and effort of the elite athlete.
Alongside Dimitrov, a much-missed one-handed backhand will return to the Top 10, absent since February.
Over the last 12 months, he has delivered high-class tennis performances, showcasing a vast and exquisite repertoire and exceptional athleticism.
On Sunday, he will bid to earn his second career Masters 1000 title when meeting his 22-year-old adversary, Australian Open champion Sinner, in a league of his own.
In his on-court interview, the World No. 12 commented: “I fight my own battles right now. I run my own race. I think all that comes with all the work we have put in as a team.”
Adding: “I’m on a very different path in my life, my career. There’s a lot that was done, a lot of work, a lot of everything behind it. I kept on believing, I kept on thriving, I kept on having faith in myself.
“This is just the cherry on the cake.”
Dimitrov 2024 Season in Recap
The player mentored by Daniel Vallverdu and Jamie Delgado launched his campaign in Australia, capturing the Brisbane International title, his first since 2017, defeating Dane Holger Rune in the final.
By mid-March, he made it to the final at the Open 13 Provence, falling to Frenchman Ugo Humbert.
Then, he achieved the semifinals in Rotterdam, falling to Australian Alex de Minaur.
In Indian Wells, Medvedev halted Dimitrov’s campaign in the desert in the fourth round.