Machac Outlasts Dimitrov in Vienna, Continues Impressive Fall Swing

Machac Outlasts Dimitrov in Vienna, Continues Impressive Fall Swing

Tomas Machac’s impressive fall swing continues with a hard-fought victory over Grigor Dimitrov at the Erste Bank Open. The 24-year-old Czech, who has been in top form since recovering from an illness, outlasted the No. 3 seed in a thrilling three-set battle.

Machac’s focus and determination were evident throughout the match. Despite losing the first set in a tiebreaker, he remained composed and fought back to win the second and third sets. His resilience was particularly impressive in the second set, where he won a game without even realizing it.

“I’m really happy I can play against the best ones, especially like a Grigor,” said Machac, who is nine years younger than the former world No. 3. “I was really happy with my performance, and I think both players because I think Grigor was playing also good. It was a great match and I was really happy I could play against him because I was watching him on television when I was really young.”

Machac’s victory over Dimitrov marks his fourth Top 10 win of the season. Earlier this year, he defeated Novak Djokovic on clay in Geneva and won Olympic gold in mixed doubles with Katerina Siniakova.

With his ranking now just below a career-high of No. 25, Machac is building an impressive resume. He will next face No. 7 seed Jack Draper, who he has a 1-1 head-to-head record against.

For Dimitrov, the defeat hinders his chances of returning to the ATP Finals. Currently ranked No. 10 in the PIF Race to Turin, the Bulgarian trails both Andrey Rublev and Alex de Minaur, who are both still able to earn points in Basel and Vienna, respectively.

De Minaur Eyes ATP Finals Berth Despite Injury Setback

De Minaur Eyes ATP Finals Berth Despite Injury Setback

Alex de Minaur, the Australian tennis star, is determined to secure a spot in the Nitto ATP Finals despite a recent injury setback. Currently ranked No. 9 in the race to Turin, de Minaur is eager to make a strong finish to the season.

Vienna’s Erste Bank Open marks de Minaur’s third singles appearance since suffering a right hip injury at Wimbledon. Despite not being at 100% health, he is determined to make the most of his remaining chances.

“It hasn’t been easy,” de Minaur said. “But now we’re here at the end of the year, I’m not feeling 100 percent healthy, but there’s not too many chances to play matches.”

De Minaur’s return to action in Antwerp last week ended in a quarterfinal defeat to Hugo Gaston. However, he bounced back in Vienna with a hard-fought victory over Jan-Lennard Struff.

The Australian is known for his aggressive style of play, which he believes is crucial for success on indoor hard courts.

“The best players in indoor events are normally the bigger hitters,” de Minaur said. “Me being a little bit on the smaller side, I’ve got to navigate those things and find ways to try and hurt my opponents in different ways.”

De Minaur’s next challenge comes in the form of Flavio Cobolli, who he defeated in the third round of the Australian Open earlier this year. However, Cobolli has since made significant progress and will be a formidable opponent.

With a spot in the Top 8 of the race to Turin on the line, de Minaur is determined to give it his all in Vienna.

Grigor Dimitrov Finds Sanctuary in Vienna, Eyes Turin Return

Grigor Dimitrov Finds Sanctuary in Vienna, Eyes Turin Return

Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, has found his sanctuary in Vienna, where he has consistently participated in the Erste Bank Open for the past seven years. The city’s charm, with its pristine air, aromatic coffee, and captivating architecture, provides Dimitrov with the ideal environment to recharge and perform at his best.

“Vienna is a fantastic city with a rich history,” Dimitrov said in an exclusive interview with TENNIS.com. “I enjoy exploring the streets and immersing myself in the local culture. The tournament organizers have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, creating a home-like atmosphere.”

Dimitrov’s quest for a fourth Erste Bank Open title began with a hard-fought victory over Zhang Zhizhen. He will next face Tomas Machac, Zhang’s doubles partner in Vienna. After a groin injury hampered his US Open campaign, Dimitrov has gradually regained his form, reaching the semifinals in Stockholm.

“It’s been a challenging year, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete at this level,” Dimitrov said. “The competition is fierce, and everyone is playing well.”

Dimitrov emphasizes the importance of self-care in maintaining his physical and mental well-being. He starts his day with breathing exercises, movement, and a cup of coffee. He also values spending time with family and connecting with nature.

“Finding your own balance is crucial,” Dimitrov advised. “And one thing I highly recommend is putting away your phone in the morning. It helps clear your mind and focus on the present.”

Dimitrov’s dedication to self-care has paid dividends. He is currently ranked 10th in the ATP Race to Turin, putting him in contention for a spot at the Nitto ATP Finals. His last appearance at the prestigious event was in 2017, where he claimed the biggest title of his career.

As the 2024 season approaches, Dimitrov is poised to make a strong case for ATP Comeback Player of the Year. His consistent performances and unwavering determination have kept him in the hunt for major titles and a return to the pinnacle of the sport.

Berrettini Edges Tiafoe in Thrilling Vienna Encounter

Berrettini Edges Tiafoe in Thrilling Vienna Encounter

Matteo Berrettini’s resurgence continued at the Erste Bank Open as he overcame a spirited challenge from Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling three-set encounter. The 2021 Wimbledon finalist, who had endured a recent slump, displayed resilience and determination to secure a 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 victory.

Berrettini, seeded fifth in Vienna, started strongly, breaking Tiafoe’s serve in the opening set and serving it out to love. The second set proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions. Berrettini appeared poised to close out the match at 5-3, but Tiafoe fought back with a break and forced a tiebreaker. The American saved two match points in the tiebreaker and eventually prevailed 8-6.

Undeterred, Berrettini regrouped in the third set and broke Tiafoe’s serve early on. Tiafoe once again showed his fighting spirit, breaking back and threatening a comeback from 5-2 down. However, Berrettini held his nerve and sealed the victory on his fifth match point.

The match lasted three hours and two minutes, showcasing the intense battle between the two players. Berrettini’s victory marks his first back-to-back ATP match wins since July and sets up a quarterfinal clash with either Brandon Nakashima or Karen Khachanov.

Tiafoe, who reached the semifinals of the US Open earlier this year, has struggled for consistency since then. However, his performance in Vienna suggests that he is gradually regaining his form.

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