The semifinal spot out of the Novak Djokovic-vacated section of the Australian Open draw all comes down to David Goffin and Grigor Dimitrov on Wednesday. Dimitrov ended Denis Istomin’s run, while Goffin is coming off a win over Dominic Thiem.
David Goffin and Grigor Dimitrov will be facing each other for just the second time in their careers at the ATP level but for the fifth time overall when they clash in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open on Wednesday.
Dimitrov has won all four of their previous encounters, although the first three meetings came on the Futures and Challenger circuits back in 2010. They most recently squared off at the 2014 U.S. Open, where the Bulgarian recovered from a slow start to prevail 0-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.
Fast forward more than two full years and Goffin is now an established force near the top of the game. In fact, the 26-year-old Belgian could reach the top 10 for the first time next week even if he loses this match. He booked a spot in the quarterfinals by taking out Rielly Opelka (in five sets), Radek Stepanek, Ivo Karlovic, and Dominic Thiem. The world No. 11 has dropped just one set–his first against Thiem on Monday–since the round-one tussle with Opelka.
As good as Goffin has been over the past few seasons, no one has been more impressive than Dimitrov in 2017. Maintaining momentum from a strong end to last year, Dimitrov is a perfect 9-0 with a title in Brisbane. On his way to lifting that winner’s trophy, the world No. 15Â beat Thiem, Milos Raonic, and Kei Nishikori. So far in Melbourne he has ousted Matthew O’Connell, Hyeon Chung, Richard Gasquet, and Denis Istomin.
“He won everything,” Goffin said–not exactly correct but technically not incorrect, either.
“It’s going to be a tough match, for sure,” Dimitrov commented. “David is an excellent player. In a way I know what to expect from him; we practiced against each other a few times this offseason. I just need to be ready mentally and physically for the battle.”
Both men are playing stellar tennis, but a debut appearance in a Grand Slam semifinal seems like it would be a natural progression for Goffin. Last season he reached back-to-back Masters 1000 semis in Indian Wells and Miami before making a run to the French Open quarters. The 11th seed’s confidence and perhaps slightly stronger mental game could make the difference in what should be an extremely tight match.
Pick: Goffin in 5
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who ya got?
Going with Dimi here in 4, as you’ve been impressed by Goffins mentality, I think Iv been with Dimitrov as well, especially when being one set down a couple of times, re focussing rather than the old Dimitrov that would have faded away… A few more free points on serve in crucial moments could be key in this match up as well
Dimitrov in four
Goffin in 5
I am going with Goffin in 5 sets.
Dimi in five.
That last point from Goffin!!!!
Dimitrov looks unbeatable.
That’s why I think he’s gonna beat Raonic or Rafa in the semis. I don’t think he will beat fed in the final but damn the guys playing insane.
Congrats to Dimi. I thought he would win but not in such straight forward manner. Well done.
With this win he will be no.12 in the rankings at least. I hope Rafa is the one to meet and beat him in the SF.