ATP Finals: World Champion!

Grigor Dimitrov has won the ATP Tour Finals in London and won his biggest career title. In the final he defeated David Goffin in three sets.

By Florian Goosmann from London

Dimitrov won in an unexpected and exciting 7-5,4-6,6-3 final and won his eighth ATP title – the biggest ever – at his first appearance in London.

It was a good and varied first set. Two times Goffin went into the lead with a break and Dimitrov took back both service losses – especially to the 4:4 with fourfold error help of the Belgian. It was Dimitrov who came to his first set points at 6:5. Four times Goffin fought off offensively, and on the fifth set a forehand in the net. Goffins was the more aggressive of the two (14:6 winners, but 20:14 casual mistakes), but he was too often outnumbered by the second serve (quota from the first: only 42 percent).

In second, Goffin was close to giving Dimitrov the first break with unnecessary self-defeating mistakes, but then he hit Dimitrov again – and, for his part, took the 4:3 lead with crunching forehands, which he transported to the set win. Among other things thanks to strong service charges: 7 aces went to Goffin, 14 of his 15 points went to him when the first service came.

The Belgian took his momentum with him and picked up three break points, but Dimitrov fought and resisted. At 3-2, Goffin then took too much risk – Dimitrov managed the break and scored spectacular points at 5-2 to three match points, which Goffin defended with courage. Then Dimitrov served for victory. Decisive in third sentence are the 16 simple mistakes of Goffin.

For Dimitrov, winning the $8 million ATP finals is the biggest win to date – as an undefeated player in London, he cancels $2,549,000 for his triumph. In addition, he will take his highest position in the world ranking with third place starting Monday.

Further information will follow!