Grigor Dimitrov and David Goffin will be going head-to-head for the sixth time in their careers (third at the ATP level) when they battle for the Sofia Open title on Sunday.
Dimitrov has won all five of their previous encounters, including most recently via a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 rout in the quarterfinals of last month’s Australian Open. He also prevailed 0-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 at the 2014 U.S. Open. A trio of 2010 meetings on the Futures and Challenger circuits all went Dimitrov’s way and only one of those required a third set.
“We played two weeks ago,” Dimitrov reflected, referring to their Melbourne showdown. “I know what to expect from David again. He’s looking for revenge.”
That will be easier said than done for Goffin, especially in this setting. Already one of the best players in the early stages this season, Dimitrov is showing no signs of slowing down in front of his home fans. The 13th-ranked Bulgarian has improved to 13-1 for his 2017 campaign following victories this week over Jerzy Janowicz, Viktor Troicki, and Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Goffin booked his spot in the final by taking out Radu Albot, Steve Darcis, and Roberto Bautista Agut. The 11th-ranked Belgian found himself two points from defeat against Bautista Agut on Saturday while serving at 4-5, 0-30 in the third but an ill-advised drop-shot by the Spaniard led to a clutch service hold and Goffin eventually survived 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(3).
Although Goffin has done well to reach the title match, it is hard to like his chances in this one. Dimitrov is dominating the head-to-head series, is in better form and is more rested than his opponent, and has home-court advantage.
Pick: Dimitrov in 2
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Dimitrov in two
Dimitrov in two for the second title in the season – Come On Dimi !!
Yep
Let’s go Goffin. Get a set!
Yeah think the crowd support might help Grigor here, in two or maybe three tight sets ….
Hi Ali
Sascha Zverev wins Montpellier…..straight sets over Gasquet. Just Wow. He does have it all – his temperament is a bit touchy once in awhile but I think even that is improving with his confidence. Poor Gasquet but the teenager is the real deal.
Now wait for it…someone will come along and say the match was fixed lol
Be still my beating heart 😀
Tough to be a Goffin fan in these situations – forever hoping for a miracle. Please make your serves the sneaky good — like in the 3rd set yesterday vs RBA.
Oh my. Dim Dim blew so many chances! Really? he’s that nervous serving it out in Sofia? Goffan choking now….ee gads, what a lousy second set.
At least the score looks respectable for Goffin. Get him next time David: Goffin-Dimitrove rematch next week in Rotterdam.
Hi RC only saw live scores, hubby watching football grr ….