Better late than never for Grigor Dimitrov.
Hailed as “Baby Fed” in comparison to 19-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and tipped as a potential future No. 1 in the world almost a decade ago, Dimitrov has finally captured one of the ATP Tour’s biggest tournament titles. The 26-year-old prevailed at the Western & Southern Open on Sunday, securing his first carer Masters 1000 trophy by defeating Nick Kyrgios 6-3, 7-5. Dimitrov held all 11 of his service games, fighting both of the break points he faced, to triumph in one hour and 25 minutes.
For the most part it was another high-quality affair on both players’ accounts, but that changed in the final stages. Kyrgios cracked for the last time at 5-5 in the second set, as the 22-year-old Australian threw in three double-faults in a single game alone–having previously double-faulted only once all match. Thus Dimitrov broke for 6-5.
The Bulgarian finished it off in style on serve, putting the exclamation point on his performance with an amazing on-the-run forehand passing shot at 15-0.
“I’m just happy,” Dimitrov commented. T”here’s nothing else I can say, honestly. I’m just happy and I’m humbled to have that trophy in my hands, and especially to win here, my first Masters 1000. It’s just amazing. I always like this tournament. I have played it quite a few times and always thought this can be maybe one of the first ones, and it is the first one.”
Kyrgios was also looking for his first Masters 1000 title. The world No. 23 ultimately came up short, but not before turning in an amazing run that featured a quarterfinal upset of top seed and new world No. 1 Rafael Nadal.
“Looking back from where I was a couple weeks ago, I would have never thought I would have had my first 1000 event final,” said Kyrgios, who has been plagued throughout the summer by a hip injury. “So I’m pretty happy with the result. You know, from where I was to here, it’s just been amazing.
“[The title] couldn’t have gone to a more deserving player,” Kyrgios continued. “[Dimitrov has] really got his game back on track. I think he’s starting to be where I think I pictured him being.”
Both players now head to New York for the year’s final Grand Slam. The U.S. Open begins next Monday.
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