Updates: Dimitrov Ties US Open Quarter-final Against Federer

Roger Federer got off to a fast start in his 56th Grand Slam quarter-final. The five-time US Open champion took the first set from unseeded Grigor Dimitrov 6-3 after only 29 minutes. But the Bulgarian has found his rhythm under the lights, evening the match 3-6, 6-4.

The 38-year-old Swiss wasted little time gaining an advantage in Arthur Ashe Stadium, breaking the Bulgarian in his first return game en route to a 3-0 lead. And the 102-time tour-level titlist, who qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals for the 17th time with his first win in New York (d. Nagal), won the battle of first-set rallies that were four shots or less by a margin of 23-15.

But Dimitrov did not let Federer to gain another early lead. Instead, the first-time US Open quarter-finalist broke for 4-2. And although he failed to serve out the set at 5-3, returning the break of serve with a double fault into the net, Dimitrov remained undeterred.

At 30/30 in the next game, the former World No. 3 blasted a passing shot slightly to Federer’s backhand side, and the Swiss failed to manoeuvre to the ball with his forehand volley. On his first set point, Dimitrov evened the match when the Swiss mishit a cross-court forehand well wide.

Entering the match, Federer led Dimitrov 7-0 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series. and he had won seven consecutive sets in the matchup.

Federer is the oldest Grand Slam quarter-finalist since a 39-year-old Jimmy Connors made the semi-finals of the 1991 US Open. And if he goes on to lift the trophy, it will be his 21st major title.

On the other hand, World No. 78 Dimitrov is trying to continue to what has been a resurgent tournament. Dimitrov arrived at Flushing Meadows having lost seven of his previous eight matches. But if he is able to defeat Federer, the 28-year-old will reach his third Grand Slam semi-final.

The winner will face in-form Russian Daniil Medvedev, the fifth seed. Medvedev, who won his first ATP Masters 1000 title last month at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, defeated Stan Wawrinka in four sets.

Did You Know?
Federer dropped just nine games total in his previous two matches before facing Dimitrov. His 80-minute victory against Daniel Evans in the third round and 79-minute win against David Goffin in the Round of 16 remain the two shortest completed matches of this men’s singles event.