Grigor Dimitrov arrived at the US Open mired in one of the deepest slumps of his career, losing seven of his eight matches leading into the season’s final major. But stunning Roger Federer in a Grand Slam quarter-final is a pretty good way to wipe away those bad memories.
Dimitrov came from two sets to one down to shock the five-time champion 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, advancing to his first semi-final in Flushing Meadows. The 28-year-old had never beaten the third seed in seven previous FedEx ATP Head2Head meetings, winning just two of 18 sets in those matchups.
There will be a first-time major finalist on the top half of the draw at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, as Dimitrov will play in-form fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in the last four. They have split two previous matches, both of which came in 2017.
The Bulgarian has reached some of the highest highs in the sport, winning the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals and climbing as high as No. 3 in the ATP Rankings. But at World No. 78, Dimitrov is at his lowest standing in more than seven years.
That didn’t matter under the lights inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Dimitrov took advantage of a night on which Federer never found his top level, maintaining his ground on the baseline and using great variety to keep the 20-time major winner from getting into a groove. And after three hours and 12 minutes, Dimitrov became the lowest-ranked Grand Slam semi-finalist since Rainer Schuettler did so as World No. 94 at Wimbledon 11 years ago.
Latest Stories
-
British company duped off £20m with an AI-generated video of its CFO
9 seconds -
Kissi Agyebeng deserves applause for blowing whistle on money laundering – Kpebu
5 mins -
Diddy apologises after video shows attack on ex-girlfriend
9 mins -
Israel-Hamas war: Ghana calls for unconditional release of hostages
19 mins -
Presidency mourns deceased driver in Akufo-Addo convoy accident
2 hours -
Playback: The Probe discussed EOCO’s mishandling of Cecelia Dapaah case
2 hours -
There’s no need to seek additional demolition permit from Supreme Court – Lawyer
2 hours -
My generation hasn’t been kind to you, we failed you – Sam Jonah
3 hours -
Women in Engineering Ghana congratulates Ing. Dr. Kpekpena’s appointment as Chair of WIE global
3 hours -
One dead in Akufo-Addo convoy accident at Bunso in Eastern Region
3 hours -
Shortage of ‘bentua’ hits Accra Central
4 hours -
Arsenal beat Everton but miss out on Premier League title
5 hours -
Man City win record fourth English title in a row as Foden scores twice
5 hours -
I’ve initiated legal processes to protect my daughter and I from Medikal – Fella Makafui
5 hours -
FIFA seeks ‘legal expertise’ before decision on Israel soccer ban proposal
5 hours