An irreducible Davidovich punishes Dimitrov and qualifies for his first Masters 1000 final

He defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-7 (2) and 6-3. Search for the title in Monte Carlo against the winner of the match between Zverev and Tsitsipas

Monte Carlo will have an unsuspected protagonist this Sunday. Alexander Davidovich venci a Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-7 (2) and 6-3, in two hours and 43 minutes, and play his first ATP final at the Principality Masters 1000. It will be measured with the winner of the match between Alexander Zverev y Stefanos Tsitsipas. Starting from 46th place, after a discreet start to the season, the 2017 Wimbledon junior champion has entered the fight for the title in one of the temples of clay. Absent Nadal11-time tournament winner, and eliminated alcaraz In its debut, Spain defends its tradition in the first big date on clay of this course.

Far from imploding after the victory against Djokovic in the second round, Davidovich has continued to grow throughout the tournament. The win against the world number 1 was just a starting point. In his first Masters 1000 semifinal, he made it clear from the first ball that he was not going to indulge his opponent too much joy. Dimitrov, a stylist on whom great unfulfilled projects were deposited, went to the net with a good forehand and found himself with a passing accurate.

The 30-year-old Bulgarian had experience on his side. Not surprisingly, he has eight titles, including the 2017 ATP Finals and the Cincinnati Masters 1000, which he won that same season, in addition to having been present in the semifinals of three Grand Slam tournaments. Davidovich, 22, has ways more appropriate for clay. Without sticking to the most orthodox repertoire of this surface, he knows how to handle heights and move with the required patience.

Punishment on the reverse

Dimitrov’s one-handed backhand took constant punishment. The break in the third game was enough for the malagueo to win the first set. With hardly any slips, except for a drop badly executed with 30-0 and 5-4, Davidovich asserted conviction and solidity. Not even with an early break in the second set it allowed the Bulgarian to consolidate a reaction. True to his plan, without losing his head, Davidovich immediately retrieved it. Dimitrov defends little and has no plan B. If things don’t go his way, he tends to self-destruct. It was the Spaniard who opened the door for him in an unexpected way. The game where he served to win the match, at 5-4, was the worst of the afternoon. He gave it up and dragged his penalty to the tiebreaker.

Already at a disadvantage in the third set, after looking at his coach, Jorge Aguirre, in search of answers, a low serve was played with which he neutralized a break ball. They were very delicate moments. He had brought to life his talented adversary, pressing him for a second break in the final set. Davidovich came out alive after four threats on his serve, in a 13-minute game. He then asked to be seen by the physical therapist. Mild problem in the adductor, for which no physical treatment is required.

That’s where his rebirth started. Dimitrov did not know how to assume the options wasted and gave up five consecutive games. The Spaniard returned to serve to win the match. This time with 5-3 and still present the stumble of the previous set. This time it didn’t fail. I win it brilliantly. I end with a ace, before kneeling on the sand, shaking hands with his rival and running madly to his corner, where he was also Martin I didmember of your working group. Quarterfinalist in 2021, when he had to retire against Tsitsipas due to injury, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is already facing the most important match of his life. He has known how to wait, without giving up in the difficult transition after his victory at the All England Club, and he is getting the rewards he deserves.