Grigor Dimitrov breaks down his game plan against Carlos Alcaraz as he beats the top seed to register his second Top-5 win in 2 years

In their previous 3 encounters, Dimitrov had lost to the top seed in all the matches.

Grigor Dimitrov breaks down his game plan against Carlos Alcaraz as he beats the top seed to register his second Top-5 win in 2 years

Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov (Credit: TSN)

A major upset for Carlos Alcaraz. A major win for Grigor Dimitrov. In a jaw-breaking match, Bulgarian player Dimitrov shocked everyone by defeating World Number Two Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling 3-set encounter. The 2023 Wimbledon champion had to put all his energy as Dimitrov made a comeback and defeated the top-ranker 5-7, 6-2, 6-4.

In their previous three encounters, Dimitrov had lost to the top seed in all the matches. But this time he executed a plan that made Alcaraz reeling in for a win. He applied constant pressure and forced Alcaraz to play on the back foot. “I knew I had to apply constant pressure against him. He’s a player that doesn’t like to be on the back foot. I mean, which player does, right?” said Dimitrov in his on-court interview.

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Dimitrov shared how he used every opportunity he had to put Alcaraz in uncomfortable positions. Dimitrov’s confidence showed that he knew what he was doing. He definitely had come after watching Alcaraz’s game. The Bulgarian’s constant trial rattled the Spanish and he eventually lost the match.

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In the end, marking his epic comeback in the game, Dimitrov said, “I never left. I am not going anywhere.“

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Dimitrov secures a quarter-final berth with his epic win

The game developed into a rollercoaster of momentum changes. Alcaraz won the opening set 7-5 before Dimitrov made a great comeback to win the second set 6-2. Both players battled ferociously for control in the decisive set, but Dimitrov ultimately prevailed, taking the set 6-4.

Credit: The West Australian

With this triumph, Dimitrov has achieved his biggest victory of the year and qualified for the Shanghai Masters quarterfinals. His year-long experience on the court was visible by his ability to read the play and adjust to Alcaraz’s style.

Alcaraz expressed regret at the loss. He had hoped to win his seventh championship of the season and reach his 13th quarterfinal in the 14 events he has competed in 2023. The young Spanish star left the Shanghai Masters sooner than anticipated because he was unable to stand up to Dimitrov’s constant pressure.

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