Grigor Dimitrov in the first round of Wimbledon 2023. UK
Grigor Dimitrov in the first round of Wimbledon 2023. UK | (Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images)

Tennis | Miami 2024 | Grigor Dimitrov aims for first Masters 1000 title in seven years against Jannik Sinner

By Tony Fairbairn

  • Jannik Sinner [2] v Grigor Dimitrov [11]
  • H2H: Sinner leads 2-1
MIAMI, USA – Grigor Dimitrov is aiming to win his first Masters 1000 title for seven years when he takes on Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in the final of Miami.

 

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Jannik Sinner [2] v Grigor Dimitrov [11] H2H & Match Fundamentals

Jannik Sinner produced an efficient and deadly performance against Daniil Medvedev as he reached the final in Miami for a second consecutive year. Now Sinner is searching for his third title of the year as he aims to go one round better than he did last year. Standing in Sinner’s way is the in-form Grigor Dimitrov, who’s run to the final means the Bulgarian is back in the world’s top ten for the first time since 2018.

Jannik Sinner [2] v Grigor Dimitrov [11] H2H: Sinner leads 2-1    
Miami 2024 Miami, USA   
Hard (O) Prize Money: $585,000/$1,100,000
TBC Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required

Sinner has had the easier route as the Italian has been ruthless in his run to the final, dropping only one set. Meanwhile Dimitrov has had to beat three top ten players on his way to a second Masters 1000 final in the space of four months.

Jannik Sinner [2] route to the final

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R1: BYE

R2: Andrea Vavassori [Q] 6-3 6-4

R3: Tallon Griekspoor [25] 5-7 7-5 6-1

R4: Christopher O’Connell 6-4 6-3

QF: Tomas Machac 6-4 6-2

SF: Daniil Medvedev [3] 6-1 6-2

Grigor Dimitrov [11] route to the final

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R1: BYE

R2: Alejandro Tabilo 6-7(5) 7-6(5) 6-2

R3: Yannick Hanfmann 6-1 6-0

R4: Hubert Hurkacz [8] 3-6 6-3 7-6(3)

QF: Carlos Alcaraz [1] 6-2 6-4

SF: Alexander Zverev 6-4 6-7(4) 6-4

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2024)

H2H: Jannik Sinner (WR 3)    Grigor Dimitrov (WR 12)   
Tournament Previous Best Final (2021, 2023) Semi-Final (2018)     
1st Serve % 62.5 65.7
Service Games Won % 93.4 89.6
Break Points Saved % 79.5 64.6
2nd Serve Return Points Won % 56.7 51.4
Break Points Converted % 44.5 29.5

Despite Dimitrov’s high level of play, Sinner has been more efficient on both and serve on return as he has continued to show why he is the best player of the year so far.

 

 

Playing Styles and Prediction

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An incredible start to the season has continued for Sinner as he is into his third final of the season after an impressive display over Medvedev.

Now the Italian will aim to win his third title of the year and also become the new world number two.

Ahead of the final, Sinner spoke about how happy he was with his performance against Medvedev as well as comparing his experience this year to his previous two finals in Miami.

“I felt great on court today. Usually the more you go on in a tournament, the more comfortable I feel. I’m very happy with this performance.” Sinner told the ATP Website.

“I remember the night before my [first] final [in 2021], I couldn’t sleep. I was sweating during the night. Now I handle the situation much, much better. I’m just excited and happy to be back. Hopefully I can play some good tennis Sunday.”

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Standing in Sinner’s way is Dimitrov who is back into the world’s top ten for the first time since 2018 after beating three top ten players on his way to the final.

The Bulgarian will look to secure his first Masters 1000 title for seven years in Miami as he hopes to capitalize on his recent momentum.

Speaking ahead of a big match Dimitrov spoke about his personal growth and development ahead of the showdown with Sinner.

“I fight my own battles right now. I run my own race,” Dimitrov explained to the ATP website.

“I think all that comes with all the work that we have put in as a team. I’m on a very different path in my life, in my career. There’s a lot that was done, a lot of work, a lot of everything behind it. I kept on believing, I kept on thriving, I kept on having faith in myself… This is just the cherry on the cake.”

Sinner will aim to neutralize Dimitrov’s attacking qualities by using the backhand to limit the Bulgarian’s shot selection.

Meanwhile Dimitrov will need to remain consistent and efficient on serve as he aims to take time away from the Italian.

This will be a high-quality affair with both players liking to attack but also have the quality to defend well from the baseline.

This is a contest between two confident players but Sinner should extend Dimitrov’s wait for another Masters 1000 title with the Italian’s quality being too much for the Bulgarian.

Prediction: Sinner in three sets.

 

 

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