In a thrilling match at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, Grigor Dimitrov achieved a significant victory by defeating World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. Dimitrov, a 32-year-old Bulgarian, triumphed in a hard-fought battle with a scoreline of 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. This win marks a turning point in their head-to-head series, as Dimitrov was previously trailing 0-3 against the young Spaniard.

Throughout the match, Dimitrov displayed exceptional skill, delivering powerful shots from both wings and utilizing his backhand drop shot effectively. He managed to bounce back after losing the first set, ultimately securing his spot in the quarterfinals of the ATP Masters 1000 event. Dimitrov’s impressive performance included 29 winners and showcased his ability to adapt during critical moments.

Reflecting on his victory, Dimitrov commented, “I stayed in the match, that was the first thing, especially after the first set. I was serving very well throughout the first set, and he made a few errors.” Dimitrov also highlighted his improved understanding of Alcaraz’s service games, which allowed him to read the young Spaniard’s serves better as the match progressed.

In the upcoming quarterfinal clash, Grigor Dimitrov is set to face 22nd seed Nicolas Jarry, as he aims to secure his first ATP title since his 2017 Nitto ATP Finals triumph. Dimitrov, currently ranked World No. 19, has a history of success against top-ranked opponents, with 17 wins against Top 5 players. Notably, his last victory against a player in the Top 2 was in October 2021 when he defeated Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells.

Dimitrov’s victory over Carlos Alcaraz has implications for the ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone race. While Alcaraz was having a stellar season with a 63-9 record, this loss puts him further behind Novak Djokovic by 500 points in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin. The 20-year-old Spaniard was vying for his seventh title of the season and his third at the ATP Masters 1000 level, having previously won in Indian Wells and Madrid in 2023.

Grigor Dimitrov’s remarkable win in Shanghai has added excitement to the tournament, and fans are eagerly anticipating his quarterfinal clash with Nicolas Jarry.