Dimitrov on reaching his second US Open quarter-final: “I never stopped believing”

The Bulgarian reached his first US Open quarter-final in five years, continuing his renaissance

Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic

September 2, 2024

On Sunday, No 9 Grigor Dimitrov made his first quarter-final at the US Open for five years by defeating No 6 Andrey Rublev in a long-fought five-set match, 6-3, 7-6(3), 1-6, 3-6, 6-3. The Bulgarian is having one of his strongest seasons in recent years, reaching his first ever Roland Garros quarter-final three months ago, and looks to continue the impressive form by going further in New York.

Speaking to the media after his five-set victory, the former world No 3 detailed his thoughts on the match and his level throughout:

“When I look from my physicality to my, you know, the way that I felt after the first couple of sets, I mean, anything could have happened. The steal of the second set really helped me to keep on believing and to keep on trusting in my game and in my body.

“I think after the first couple of sets he started playing amazing. I mean, there’s not much else I could have done, so I had to pull the reins back a little bit and wait for an opportunity. I knew eventually I might get one throughout the fourth and the fifth. It happened in the fifth. I think that was the big difference today. After that I run with the match, but it was very challenging. We both knew what’s going to happen in a way on a few big points. In a way it could have also gone either way, but I was just very happy how I stuck with my game and really also stepped up my game where I really needed it the most.”

it could have also gone either way
Dimitrov on his fourth round match v Rublev

The fourth round victory ensures that 2024 will mark the second time in his career that Grigor Dimitrov has reached multiple major quarter-finals in the same season – the first coming back in 2014. Additionally, he captured his first title in six years in Brisbane back in January, as well as entering the top ten for the first time in over five years. These statistics exemplify the Bulgarian’s recent renaissance, something which he was also asked about in his post-match press conference:

“There’s no secret. There’s no shortcuts either, let me tell you that much, even if I’ve tried. I don’t know. I think consistency over the course of one’s career. You know, the one thing is that I never quit, I never stopped working, I never stopped believing. Of course, I had my doubtful moments on so many levels, but once you win those little battles with yourself, it kind of propels you to do something better to be aware of the opportunities that come around. That’s why I always say you always have to be ready for whatever comes on your way. I mean, in a way it’s not just tennis. I think it’s everything. I never shied away of that, of the work that I had to put in. I always wanted to improve.”

the one thing is that I never quit, I never stopped working, I never stopped believing

On Tuesday, Dimitrov will seek to make his second semi-final in New York, and faces the in-form Frances Tiafoe who recently made the Cincinnati final and defeated Montreal champion Alexei Popyrin (6-4, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3).