Dimitrov downs Kyrgios for Cincy crown

GRIGOR Dimitrov captured his seventh and biggest careereer title on Sunday, defeating Australia’s Nick Kyrgios 6-3, 7-5 to win the ATP Cincinnati ncinnati Masters and boost his confidence dence for the US Open.

T h e 1 1 t h - r a n k e d B u l g a r i a n n e v e r dropped a set in taking king the top prize of $954,225,225 and his first Masters title, a perfect stepping stone one into the year’s last Grand nd Slam event that is due to begin on Monday.

“In the big picture, it means a lot to me,” Dimitrov rov said. “I’m pretty confident after that win. This is what I’vee been practicing for. It’s my biggest gest win so far. I’m going to enjoy it for a day or two but then it’s back to o the routine and prepare for the US Open.” pen.”

In the highest-level vel ATP final ever contested between two players born in the 1990s, Dimitrov (pictured with the trophy, AFP) collected his tourbest 24th hardcourt match victory of the year and third title of 2017 after Brisbane and Sofia. “To have this trophy in my hand, it’s just amazing. Going into the [US] Open, it’s a lot of positivity,” said Dimitrov, on his hottest run since starting the season 16-1. Kyrgios, who oust e d t he new wor l d No1 Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals, h a s n o t w o n an ATP title since taking his third last ye year in Tokyo.

A After battling a hip injury and lack of mo motivation three weeks ago in Washing ington, Kyrgios was thrilled at the run to his biggest final yet.

““From where I was to here, it’s just am amazing,” Kyrgios said. “I just feel the wa way I should. I just didn’t want to be out the there. I lost today but I feel great with wh where I’m at now. I’m pretty excited for the US Open, enjoying getting out there an and getting some wins again.”

R Rising from that disheartened low po point to a Masters final was a shocker, Ky Kyrgios said. “That’s a very Nick Kyrgios thi thing to do,” he said. “Crazy. I really do don’t know how I did it. It’s a miracle.”

MuguruzaMu takes WTA title

NotN since Guillermo Canas beat Andy RoddickRo in 2002 at Toronto had two first-timefir ATP Masters finalists met for a MastersM crown.

“I“was so nervous,” Dimitrov said. “I tried to contain myself. It was one of those matches [where] I knew I could beat him, but you never know what’s going to come out against you.”

“I could have done a few things better. But nerves were there. At the end of the day I was just going for it. The first set was very important for sure,” Dimitrov said. “I had to find a way to get a few balls back. It came down to a few points and I held my nerve.

“He can generate a lot of power from any position at any time. That’s what kept me on my toes the whole time.”

In the women’s event, Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza humbled second-ranked Simona Halep 6-1, 6-0 in Sunday’s final, denying the Romanian the world No1 spot. Czech Karolina Pliskova, a semifinal loser to Muguruza, will remain No1.

Sixth-seeded Spaniard Muguruza needed only 56 minutes to capture her second title of the year and her first in a US event.