World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz was given a taste of his own medicine as World No. 12 Grigor Dimitrov beat him 6-2, 6-4. The 2024 Miami Masters quarter-final match between the two lasted for 92 minutes. The Bulgarian also snapped the Spaniard’s nine-match winning streak that began in Indian Wells.
Alcaraz was looking for his second title in Miami in three years and also looking to complete the Sunshine Double. But the dream was shot down by Dimitrov who produced one of his best matches in a while. The former World No. 3 is now in the semis in Miami for the first time in his career.
To put things in context on how brilliant Dimitrov was, the Bulgarian averages a 7.57 performance rating on the Tour. But during his match against Alcaraz, he had a 9.44 rating, a drastic improvement.
He was disciplined (5 unforced errors to Alcaraz’s 8), clutch (converted 4/8 breakpoints to Alcaraz’s 1/5), and aggressive (23 winners to Alcaraz’s 16) as needed. With 0 double faults to the Spaniard’s 3, there was nothing that Dimitrov didn’t do correctly in the quarter-final clash.
Following the match, Alcaraz too acknowledged the performance of the Bulgarian. He didn’t hide behind excuses and gave credit where it was due. The reigning Wimbledon champ admitted he was frustrated with himself due to the hammering he received.
Well, I think I played good tennis. I mean, I left the court thinking that probably I had to change my game a little bit earlier, but anyway, I feel like I played a good tennis. Not perfect but a good one. But I feel, let's say, I have a lot of frustrations right now, because he made me feel like I'm 13 years old. said Alcaraz, speaking in the press conference.
He went on to claim to be completely clueless against Dimitrov. He walked into the match without knowing any weaknesses of the 32-year-old. But still, he was satisfied with what he could give in during the clash.
You know, it was crazy. I was talking to my team saying that I don't know what I have to do. I don't know, you know, his weakness. I don't know anything. That's why I have frustration right now, but, you know, in the thought of tennis, I left the court happy with my level. added the Spaniard.
Following Alcaraz’s comment, Dimitrov was asked about his reaction to the remark given he is 12 years senior to the Spaniard. The Bulgarian first let out a big chuckle and then went on to praise the remark made by the youngster.
That's a great comment. said Dimitrov in his press conference.
Grigor Dimitrov to take on old foe in the semis
Going into the quarter-final, Dimitrov was trailing 1-3 in his head-to-head with the Spaniard. Their first three meetings were all won by the youngster. But the previous two including this Miami clash have been in favor of the Bulgarian thus reducing the deficit.
But in the semi-finals, the task is more difficult for the 32-year-old. He will now take on World No. 5 Alexander Zverev. The German defeated Fabian Marozsan 6-3, 7-5 to reach his second semis in Miami and first since 2018.
This will be the ninth career meeting between Dimitrov and Zverev with the former World No. 2 leading the head-to-head 7-1. The only loss for him came in the first-ever match between the two. Since then, all seven have been won by the Olympian taking a commanding lead.
But given the monumental win over Alcaraz and his form in Miami, he will back himself to take down the big German. The second semi-final will be a repeat of last year’s finals in Miami as defending champ Daniil Medvedev will take on Jannik Sinner.
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