Grigor Dimitrov has reached the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Nordic Open for the fifth time in his career. The highly regarded Bulgarian triumphed over Dominic Stricker with a score of 6-3, 6-2 on Friday evening in front of a packed crowd at the Royal Tennis Hall.
Dimitrov clearly enjoys playing in Stockholm, where he won his very first ATP title eleven years ago. In his victory against Swiss player Dominic Stricker, the 33-year-old showcased his best tennis with powerful serves, varied play, and accurate groundstrokes.
"The serve was key in the beginning. Once it was working, I gained more confidence and was able to play freely. I love playing in Stockholm, which holds a special place in my heart," Dimitrov said in the mixed zone after the match.
Dimitrov will face Tallon Griekspoor on Saturday. Griekspoor is the first player from the Netherlands to reach the semifinals in Stockholm since 2001, when Sjeng Schalken was the champion. The seventh-seeded 28-year-old won an exciting and fast-paced match against world number eight Casper Ruud with a score of 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) on Friday.
"I was in a tough spot at times early on and was a bit lucky to take the first set. In the tiebreak of the second set, I played really well and made most of my first serves," commented Griekspoor, who is also set for the semifinals in the doubles tournament.
During Saturday's sold-out day session, the Czech pair Nouza/Rikl will face the second-seeded duo Nys/Zielinski. Following that, three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka will play against the fourth-seeded Tommy Paul. The evening session will kick off with the highly anticipated match between Grigor Dimitrov and Tallon Griekspoor, followed by the doubles semifinal between Heliövaara/Patten and Griekspoor/Stevens.
