Dimitrov Rules On Home Soil

Home favourite Grigor Dimitrov continues to soar in 2017 having clinched the Garanti Koza Sofia Open title with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over David Goffin on Sunday.

It was an extra special week for Dimitrov by playing a first ATP World Tour event on home soil. His recent resurgence up the Emirates ATP Rankings, recovering from No. 40 in July 2016 to being on the cusp of the Top 10, has captivated the nation as fans flocked to support their tennis talisman.

All week his matches have been eagerly watched by ardent local support and that was no different in the final with a 12,000-strong sold out capacity cheering him on.

Watch: Dimitrov Relishes Sofia Homecoming

The Bulgarian opened his season by capturing a fifth ATP World Tour title in Brisbane, defeating three Top 10 opponents in a row, before continuing his stellar form in Sofia. The third seed had dropped just one service game all week ahead of the final and started against the World No. 11 in emphatic style.

A delicate drop volley ignited a break to surge 3-0 ahead before the Belgian restored parity. Dimitrov, the victor on both previous occasions against Goffin, was forced to save four break points in an eight-minute game at 4-4. The set seemed destined for a tie-break until Dimitrov forced Goffin into a wayward backhand to edge halfway towards the trophy.

World No.13 Dimitrov once again earned a 3-0 lead and then made it six successive games with a blistering forehand cross court winner on the stretch.

Goffin was on the brink at 0-5 but was undeterred with some brave forays towards the net. He saved three match points, as Dimitrov’s double fault count reached nine, and managed to reduce his deficit to 4-5. However, the Bulgarian broke to be crowned champion at his home tournament.