Bulgarian top of Pete Sampras group and reaches semi-finals of season-ending tournament for first time
Wednesday 15 November 2017 18:06, UK
Grigor Dimitrov came close to perfection as the Bulgarian trounced Belgium's David Goffin for the loss of two games at the ATP Finals in London on Wednesday afternoon.
Dimitrov, who overcame a bout of nerves to beat Dominic Thiem and secure his maiden victory at the season-ending tournament, followed it up with an outstanding performance to dispatch Rafael's Nadal's conqueror Goffin 6-0 6-2 and reach the semi-finals.
The elegant Bulgarian produced a first six games of near perfection, making just three unforced errors and winning 100 per cent of his first serve points, to romp his way to a bagel set.
He was, however, unable to continue his ruthless streak and become the first player since Roger Federer's trouncing against Gaston Gaudio in 2005 to record the perfect scoreline as eighth-ranked Goffin managed to get on the board in the ninth game to huge cheers from a sympathetic crowd.
The sixth seed, who has enjoyed the best season of his career, was lighting it up on both wings though and it wasn't long before he completed the job in an impressive one hour and 14 minutes.
"You get a few days when everything you touch turns to gold and that was the first set," said Dimitrov. "You work for those days, it's nice when it comes in such an occasion. It's a special win for me.
"It's another step ahead. It doesn't matter that I've qualified already. My goal was to reach the weekend. I'm not here just to participate."
What an impressive performance. Grigor took the racket out of Goffin's hands today. We've been talking about this kid for years - when is he going to break through? When is he going to become a real superstar? This could be the week.
He looked so good that maybe this might just be the springboard into next year. He's looking good.
Thiem will attempt to keep his tournament hopes alive against Pablo Carreno Busta [who replaced the injured Rafael Nadal] on Wednesday, at 6pm, live on Sky Sports Arena. Thiem lost to Dimitrov so needs a victory in the Pete Sampras group to remain in the competition, while the Bulgarian takes on Spain's Carreno Busta in his last match having already qualified.
The season-ending extravaganza ATP Finals ends another memorable year which will be covered via our website www.skysports.com/tennis with live blogs, reports, reaction and expert analysis as the season reaches its climax.
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