(Geneva) Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov advanced to an ATP tournament final for the first time in more than five years with a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (2) victory against American Taylor Fritz on Friday at the Geneva Tennis Open.
Dimitrov fell one set and 2-4 in the second set before starting his comeback and signing his first victory in the semi-finals of an ATP tournament since February 2018.
On this occasion, his rival, the Belgian David Goffin, had to withdraw from their match at the Rotterdam tournament.
Dimitrov carved out match point against Fritz with a spectacular rally that featured powerful forehands and angular drop shots up and down the net.
Fritz finally lost his footing and found himself sitting on the ground in the doubles lane, from where he witnessed a winning shot from his opponent.
At the next point, Dimitrov was able to celebrate the victory when Fritz, the tournament’s second seed, sent a lob over the baseline as the Bulgarian advanced towards the net.
Fourth seed and 33e world player, Dimitrov entered the tournament with a 12-9 record this season.
“I came in this week with a goal and I intend to see it through,” said Dimitrov, whose last title was in 2017.
In the grand finale, Dimitrov will face Chilean Nicolas Jarry, who beat third-seeded German Alexander Zverev 7-6(3), 6-3.
About 24 hours after beating favorite and two-time defending champion Casper Ruud, Jarry scored the decisive point against Zverev with a delicate backhand volley.
Jarry, 54e world player, will try to collect a second title in 2023 after his victory at the Santiago tournament, in March, also on clay.
