Late replacement Dimitrov looking to kick on after impressive run to final at UTS Frankfurt
The Bulgarian reached the final after stepping in as a late replacement for Daniil Medvedev
Tennis Majors/UTS
Grigor Dimitrov said his last-minute decision to play UTS Frankfurt – as a late replacement for Daniil Medvedev – was a good one as he tries to make the most of every opportunity.
The Bulgarian, who changed his UTS nickname to “G-Unit” for Frankfurt, played superbly all weekend and was only denied at first UTS title by world No 6 Andrey Rublev in the final.
“I think sometimes you just have to do things unexpectedly and this week has been all different,” Dimitrov said.
“I tried to do the best that I can. It’s always very difficult when you are called last minute, but you try your best and that’s all you can ask for. Now, that’s all I want to do. And I tried my best. That’s all I could ask for.
Dimitrov adapted well to the new one-serve rule but said the UTS card – next point x 3 – was the key to success, from a tactical point of view.
“Everything was honestly easy,” he said. “I think just the way you’re going to use the three-point card is very important and then the rest, how it’s going, you never know til the end. You play quality players all the time so you need to find a way to get around it.”
Dimitrov eyes strong end to the year
Dimitrov made a quick exit on Sunday, headed for China and the start of an Asian swing which takes in the penultimate Masters 1000 of the year, in Shanghai.
Ranked 19 in the ATP Race, the calendar-year rankings, Dimitrov has an outside chance to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals for the top eight players of the year, which will be held in Turin.
“Let’s see how everything goes,” he said. “It’s six weeks to go. I think if you do, well, there’s a very good chance you can finish further on. It all depends on the performance for sure.”
