The second installment of the Istanbul Open reaches it’s climax on Sunday and with inaugural winner Roger Federer missing from field, the tournament will crown a new champion when Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman and Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov take to the Koza World of Sports Centre Court.
The draw in Istanbul could charitably described as relatively shallow (not unusual for new ATP 250 events). That being said, Schwartzman thoroughly deserves his place in Sunday’s title match after working his way past three quality dirt-ballers in compatriots Facundo Bagnis and Federico Delbonis along with top seed Bernard Tomic. Dimitrov was somewhat more fortunate earning a bye into the last 16 before overcoming Adrian Ungur, Jiri Vesely and a woefully out-of-sorts Ivo Karlovic.
Relatively speaking, both players have had underwhelming seasons, with Dimitrov managing only one semifinal appearance prior to Istanbul and Schwartman having previously failed to progress past the second round at at any ATP-level event. On paper, it is a surprise to see the Argentine lining up on Sunday given his form; however, his uninspiring record at the ATP level belies a talented clay-courter who moves exceptionally well on the dust.
With his ability and experience, despite being just 24, these are matches that Dimitrov should really be winning; a 250-point final against a player who has not cracked the world’s top 50 should be an opportunity on which he pounces. It won’t be that simple, however, in this instance. For whatever reason, Schwartzman has suddenly added some steel and consistency in Istanbul to his strong clay-court skill-set. If he can hold up mentally with silverware on the line, he can out-workan opponent who is not playing his best ball right now.
Pick: Schwartzman in 3
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who ya got?
Dimitrov in straights. I think he will be tested but prevail in the end without too much trouble.
Wow didn’t see u picked schwartzman until after I made my pick. I agree it’s possible with the streamlined of Grigor and the grit from schwartzman. But I think this is Grigor’s big opportunity to take the title and I feel like after a confidence boosting win over Karlovic he should be able to navigate his way through. Also he has been here before while Diego has never made an ATP final.
In what is probably his first 250 final, I don’t see Diego holding up mentally. He will let the moment get to him and much more experienced dimitrov won’t need his best to win.
Dim Dim in three is the call.
Grigor should give up playing tennis if he loses this match. He has the looks for acting or modeling.
another epic racket smash
No class whatsoever. Suspension warranted.
Dimitrov will always be a wasted talent if he keeps missing opportunities like these. Such a good chance for a title and he blows a 7-6 5-2 lead. The thing is schwartzman did play well to come back but Dimitrov should’ve buckled down in that second set breaker or buckled down at the start of the third. It’s a huge meltdown. I don’t think he had a match point but still that’s just downright awful. And that’s the match. Oh my gosh the end what the heck. He just gave up. Purposely got himself penalized a game. Idiot. I get why he was mad though cuz he broke six racket strings today and like three of those rackets were obliterated afterwards. That just befuddles me. What an awful finish to the week for him. Kudos to Ricky on the pick. I hope Dimitrov can someday get his head on right. He has the ability to be one of the best in the world and even number one and still has time to do so but he’s running out of it and getting overtaken in promise by guys like Kyrgios Thiem and Zverev.
Maybe Rafa can give him his shrink’s digits.
Schwartzman defeated Dimitrov 6(5)-7, 7-6(4), 6-0.
Ricky was right, against all odds.
Dimitrov is smashing rackets to finish the match without playing the last point(s):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn62ST7dHX4
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3568404/Grigor-Dimitrov-loses-Istanbul-Open-final-court-meltdown-racket-smash-hands-title-Diego-Schwartzman.html
Tis is the result of over-hyping a player before they ever achieve anything. The up and coming young guns should take note and not get ahead of themselves. Not every player is an instant success and no player is ‘entitled’ to succeed.
Just disappointing from Dimi. As usual. Ugh. Can’t believe he defaulted like that. He has all the talent in the world but will do absolutely nothing about it. Such a crying shame.
Why did they give him the runner-up cheque he should forfeit that for defaulting. Retirement due to injury is a different matter.
well, that was a first. never witnessed an ending like that! Bad for Dimitrov, but love the passion, however misplaced.
What is going on with Dimi? Smashing rackets has never been his thing.
He is really on a downward trajectory now.
? Oh, it definitely has. Just not to this extent.
I watched the clip and it’s just shocking. Completely unprofessional.
I was watching the match earlier today with Dimi ahead in the third set and seeming to be in control. I had to go out, so I did not see the end. Maybe it’s best that I didn’t stay to see the end.
Just shameful on Dimi’s part.