Dimitrov determined to deliver
Grigor Dimitrov says he has what it takes to upset the odds and go the distance at the Australian Open after storming past David Goffin and into the semifinals on Wednesday.
The 15th-seeded Bulgarian had few problems in a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win over the Belgian 11th seed in two hours, 13 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.
In Friday’s semifinal, Dimitrov will face 14-time Grand SlamchampionRafaelNadal of Spain, who stopped third seed Milos Raonic of Canada 6-4, 7-6 (7), 6-4 on Wednesday night.
“I feel like I have all the tools to go further and my job isn’t over yet,” he said. “I’m looking forward to my match. I think I’m prepared.
“I think I’m ready to go the distance. I don’t shy away from that. I’m confident enough to say I feel good physically, and overall on the court.”
The victory also equaled Dimitrov’s career-best winning streak of 10 matches after celebrates after winning his quarterfinal match against Belgium’s David Goffin at the Australian Open on Wednesday. his lead-up tournament win in the Brisbane International, where he beat world No5KeiNishikoriinthefinal.
The last time the Bulgarian won 10 straight matches was in 2014, when he took the title at Queen’s and reached the final four at Wimbledon.
“I’m just going forward with the confidence that I have built up from the previous tournament,” he said.
“Now with each match I’ve been feeling better and better. It just all comes pretty natural right now.”
Fighting spirit
Dimitrov, now working with Andy Murray’s former coach Daniel Vallverdu, said mentally he is much improved.
“I think I’m making better decisions when I come out on the court, better decisions in terms of points or how I’m going to play certain players or how I’m going to prepare before my matches,” he said.
“My focus has been good. The mentality has been there.
“Ikeeponfighting.Ihavea good spirit on the court, being positive.”
It was Dimitrov’s second career Grand Slam semifinal after his last-four appearance at Wimbledon three years ago.
With his triumph, Dimitrov is projected to rise to No 12 in next week’s rankings unless Roger Federer wins the title in Melbourne.
If Dimitrov goes on to win his first Grand Slam, he could rise to career-high No 6 in the world.
Dimitrov put Goffin under immediate pressure, breaking his opening service, but was in turn broken in the fifth game.
The Bulgarian edged back in front after breaking again on his fourth opportunity following a 22-shot rally.
Dimitrov fought off a break point as he served out for the set with another 22-shot rally before Goffin’s forehand was wide to hand him the opening set in 42 minutes.
Both serves were under pressure in the second set, but Dimitrov was making more use of his opportunities and broke three times.
He dropped one service game to take a two-set lead.
Dimitrov grabbed the decisive service break in the seventh game of the final set when Goffin’s backhand was long on break point.
He served out for the match and won on his third match point with a ripping backhand winner that Goffin could only stare at.