Grigor Dimitrov advanced to the US Open quarter-finals for the first time since 2019, securing a thrilling five-set victory over Andrey Rublev in New York.
The Bulgarian player won the first two sets but faced a strong comeback from the Russian, ultimately winning 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, 3-6, 6-3. As the ninth seed, Dimitrov will now take on Frances Tiafoe in the next round.
“After the first couple of sets, he started playing amazing,” Dimitrov noted. “I felt I had to pull the reins back a little bit and wait for an opportunity. That was the big difference today, and after that, I ran with the match, but it was very, very challenging.”
The 33-year-old’s victory was highlighted by his composed demeanor as Rublev’s frustration became a focal point early in the match. Rublev called for medical assistance shortly into the match after hitting his racquet against his hand, and his outbursts continued throughout the contest. He has exhibited similar behavior at previous tournaments, including being disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct earlier this year.
In other matches, American Frances Tiafoe energized the home crowd with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-3 win over Alexei Popyrin, who previously eliminated Novak Djokovic. Additionally, American Taylor Fritz staged a comeback to defeat eighth seed Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. Fritz, the 12th seed, will face Alexander Zverev next after Zverev’s victory over Brandon Nakashima with scores of 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.