“G-Unit” Dimitrov qualifies for semi-finals despite loss to “The Iceman” Ruud
“G-Unit” Grigor Dimitrov rallied from two quarters down to force sudden death with “The Iceman” Casper Ruud. His effort earned him a spot in the semifinals.
“The Iceman” Casper Ruud was on the brink of semi-final qualification at UTS Frankfurt by Builder.ai, but “G-Unit” Grigor Dimitrov’s fire melted the Norwegian’s chances.
Dimitrov won the third and fourth quarters, thereby qualifying for Sunday’s semi-finals at the Süwag Energie Arena in Frankfurt, while Ruud finished off his victory in sudden death for a small consolation prize, 15-9, 18-15, 11-17, 10-13, 2-0.
It was a drastic turnaround for Dimitrov, who managed to reach the semi-finals as he went 1-1 in sudden death on Saturday (he won over “The Rebel” Benoit Paire by saving four match points and winning 4-3 in the extra frame).
Dimitrov back from the brink
With his back against the wall, the only Bulgarian to ever win an ATP singles title caught fire in the third quarter, reeling off nine consecutive points from 10-7 down, as he converted his three-pointer to lead 16-10 at the buzzer. Two quarter points later Dimitrov had wrapped up the third quarter and just needed to win the fourth in order to make it to the last four.
Not the easiest path, but one that the former world No 3 relished nevertheless.
“If it’s easy I don’t like it,” said Dimitrov before the final quarter against Ruud. “He did a few mistakes and it helped me out a lot – this one is gonna be tasty.”
“Things can change quickly in tennis, here we go for a fourth set – it’s gonna decide it all now,” chimed in Ruud.
The fourth quarter followed a similar script.
The 32-year-old rallied from 10-6 down to level at 10-all then continued rolling, taking the final three points to clinch.
Ruud then won the two sudden death points to take home the win.
“Happy to be back tomorrow,” Dimitrov said. “Let’s get it going again.”
