Grigor Dimitrov is due to face Jannik Sinner later today in the Miami Open final, seeking to maintain his stunning 2024 with his second title.
The Brisbane Open winner, who is enjoying a real purple patch during the twilight of his career, has captured the attention of the tennis media once again with this return to form, finally adding that much-needed killer instinct to his already stunning style of play.
His one-handed backhand has always earned him comparisons with Roger Federer throughout his career, but he has fallen way short of such impossible, legendary standards.
But, he could be set to take a tiny step closer to the Swiss superstar’s unparalleled legacy tonight, should he bypass the unstoppable Sinner.
However, regardless of what happens, he seems to boast a clarity that will make today a fun experience rather than a stress-inducing one.
Grigor Dimitrov has already achieved his biggest success at Miami Open
Speaking immediately after his impressive and hard-fought victory over Alexander Zverev, the Bulgarian maestro, who has now confirmed his re-entry into the ATP top-ten with this run of form, was magnanimous ahead of the final.
In fact, much of his success that has contributed to this renaissance is owed to a newfound mentality, where he simply enjoys the ride and lets the destination take care of itself.
Well, deep in tournaments now seems to be a common location for him, and in Miami he is already more than content with his progress.
Ahead of the final with Sinner, in which he has little to lose, he poses a dangerous prospect.
Dimitrov noted: ‘I think the consistency of beating top players, that to me is a bigger success than anything else.
‘If you do that, you get the ranking. If you do that, things are just getting better for you. I think the discipline brought me to this moment. There is nothing else. I didn’t kind of deviate from my target.
‘I had small targets throughout – every single week I had a target, and also to be able to put my body through all that on a daily basis was also very important for me. When you start putting all that together, I think it’s what I’m most proud of.’
A blockbuster Miami Open final awaits with Jannik Sinner
Regardless of who wins today’s blockbuster final between Dimitrov and Sinner, we are guaranteed a new champion after the latter dumped out Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals, a repeat of last year’s final but with the results reversed.
The Italian is in the form of his life at the moment, having secured his very first Grand Slam back in January.
This promises to be a truly exceptional title-winning year for the 22-year-old, but alongside his young adversary Carlos Alcaraz, he also has to contend with veterans like Dimitrov.
And, fortunately for the 32-year-old, he too is bang in form as well.
It promises to be a true test of style and substance, with some gorgeous tennis guaranteed.
Regardless of who you want to win, just sit back and relax with this one. We’re in for a scorcher.
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