(Geneva) Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov advanced to an ATP tournament final for the first time in more than five years with a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(2) victory against American Taylor Fritz on Friday at the Geneva Tennis Open.
Dimitrov was down one set and 2-4 in the second set before starting his comeback and securing his first victory in the semi-finals of an ATP tournament since February 2018.
On this occasion, his rival, the Belgian David Goffin, had to withdraw from their match at the Rotterdam tournament.
Dimitrov fashioned a match point against Fritz with a spectacular exchange, scoring powerful forehands and angular drop shots on either side of the net.
Fritz eventually lost his footing and found himself sitting on the ground in the doubles lane, from where he witnessed a game winner from his opponent.
At the next point, Dimitrov was able to celebrate the victory when Fritz, the tournament’s second seed, sent a lob over the baseline as the Bulgarian advanced towards the net.
The fourth seed and 33rd player in the world, Dimitrov entered the tournament with a 12-9 record this season.
“I came in this week with a goal and I intend to see it through,” said Dimitrov, whose last title was in 2017.
In the grand finale, Dimitrov will face the winner of the match between Alexander Zverev and Nicolas Jarry.
