I would disagree, Carlos only hit 56% first serves and instead of his usual 80% at the net only won 50% of points. He missed volleys and forehands he usually makes by forcing his game. For sure Grigor played and in particular returned very well, which drove Carlo's statistics down, but Carlos almost made tactical errors in terms of serve placement, and also was poor in the execution of his volleys.
@pureffm statistics can be misleading, like the last part of your comment implies, a large portion of Alcaraz's UE and blunders was caused by Dimitrov rushing him and putting pressure on both his first and second serve by taking the ball early. Having watched the full match and as also voiced by the commentators, Dimitrov was playing near flawless tennis (which I don't think he can sustain in upcoming matches), refusing Alcaraz any leeway.
@@gigitygigitygigity8580 Exactly! Everything Grigor touched was gold today. Alcaraz can't have such a drastic dip as suggested by some comments, considering how he was playing the last two weeks. He played as usual, but Grigor played God mode today, as simple as that.
It often looks that way though Grigor says he did not like the name baby Fed a while back and thinks Federer is much more aggressive with the shot making.
nah, Djokovic's sliding counter backhand is not only beautiful, but also very impressive when performed on hard court or grass, even pro players are maybe 1 or 2% to master this way of moving, but none can do It so consistently through an entire career.
I mean the heaviness of alcaraz ball and for dimotrov to take it that early... There's like few people in the world that could do that throughout a whole match. And even fewer still that could do that consistently over several matches. I still think alcaraz's style wins out in the long run over Dimitrov, but when dude is hitting.... Oh boy is he hitting....
Dimitrov showed us the key to potentially beating Alcaraz. Taking the ball early and obliterating the 2nd serve return, putting the Spaniard in a constant defensive position. It's a different matter that only a handful of players have the skillset to execute such a plan.
keys were reading his serve, taking the ball early and flustering Alcaraz. Alcaraz likes time to wind up. Also Alacaraz's volleys weren't good enough often.
Apart from the style similarity which is what most people are seeing, GD controlled the court position, never gave Carlos too many rally balls, was almost always the aggressor in the point by hitting short, coming in, taking returns, half volleying from the baseline. Of course when he does all those things, and he's one of the few with the talent and athleticism to do those things, it's reminiscent of the swiss who played like this all the time. GD clearly had to bring this strategy to counter Carlos but I hope he chooses to play freely and aggressively like this more often than counter punching and defending. Top 10 beckons, very excited and happy for him.
Grigor's shot selection was a glimpse of how Roger use to play, Alcaraz said once that he missed to play against Roger but after this match he can analyze that how difficult it would have been.
They werw both hitting the ball so deep. Dimitorov is so good at picking up the ball on the rise and Carlos got that young energy and skill as well! Two sets of the kind of tennis I like!
When Dimitrov plays the top spin backhand more than his overused slice, like today, you know he's come to win instead of just competing. Absolutely incredible level of play from Grigor!
also he played it as a return to a strong serve and kept control. That is rarely seen in todays tennis. even Federer preferred to slice back anything on a strong serve. Dimitrov even attacked a good serve with his backhand! only Wawrinka knows
Amazing tennis on both sides. With a performance like that, I wonder if Dimitrov is playing better now versus when he was ranked third in the world back in 2017?
This match reminded me of the famous Federer-Nadal AO 17 final. Alcaraz (Nadal) like a battering Ram trying to expose Dimitrovs (Federer's) BH and just not letting up and Federer refusing to get bullied on the BH side, taking the ball early and just ripping winners.
Highest level tennis throughout. Alcaraz knows this. Amazing performance by Dimitrov. He has it in him to beat everyone. Today he showed it again. Hope he keeps this level throughout much of the season.
This is the limit of Carlos's game against a player who hits his spots on a fast surface, his movement is neutralized, he can't compensate for wingspan anymore. Players who keep hitting their spots with fast balls on a fast court really do hurt Carlos. However Carlos struggled mentally, his attitude gave too much away and encouraged Grigor: 🎾 Very poor even at the net with 50% of shots made (instead of his usual 80-85%) 🎾 Only 56% of first serve points! 🎾 Carlos gave Grigor his favorite backhand returns multiple times, a tactical error. 🎾 Overall, I would have liked more moderation and control under pressure. But to be fair Grigor executed his game play exceptionally well, it is to his credit that Carlos became increasingly nervous on serve. In a 5 setter Carlos may have found a way. But not today!
@@huzcer Yes, it confused Carlos, by the time he changed things over it was too late. But the issue was also the low % of first serves from the get go and the fact that he gave Grigor his faforite backhand return 3 times instead of more towards the body on second serves.
as always, deepth was great with Dimitrovs play and he let him run. he took away his time and is more unorthodox than those constant hitters Carlos usually faces. Dimitrov did not even have to hit hard all the time he could just defend the court and attack by playing deep balls into the corners. easy tennis to perfection. thats how you win against any opponent on any level
Court level view is so much more engaging. You can see how much spin is put in the ball, I bet most people appreciatie this angle more than the regular one.
When Dimitri play with consistency can lost, but will be tremendous match, he really is super complete and technical, beautiful shots, has all the weapons and can do everything he wants.
Dimitrov moved brilliantly and played almost perfectly. He beat Alcaraz quite deservedly. I think he will get Zverev and then I hope he gets Miami. He is playing great this tournament.
Zverev is 7-1 vs Dimitrov. He's one of the worst match-ups for him. Can't see him getting past Zverev. Beat a 17 year old Zverev and it's been 7 losses in a row since and 4 times within the last 12 months when Zverev was on his comeback and not even in full form.
My only regret for Grigor is that he is finding his best form too late in his career. At 33 you wonder if it’s too late. I wish him all the best, playing like this, anything is possible.
2017 i bet on him winning GS tournaments.. but he did not keep his form. now he is back, even stronger, but older. he shows us that BIG3 whould have controlled Alcaraz guy pretty well. maybe Alcaraz could have been a guy like Murrray, close but not quite there.
@@Alexander-dt2eq No, Alcaraz is of the same talent level as the big 3 if not more so. He was not at his best here, remember that he has played a lot of matches recently winning Indian wells.
@@funkslave9425 but he stated that he played well and you could see that. he just did not know what to do . yet i remember young Djokovic losing in a similar fashion to established Federer. so yes he will learn. Indian wells courts suited his style more.
@@funkslave9425 Yes - he is. He's beaten both Novak and Rafa as a teenager. He's won 2 slams and 13 titles (including a handful of ATP1000's) already and he's still only 20 and learning.
It took 10 years for Roger to figure out Rafas game and beginning to beat him regularly (7 of last 8). It took only 1 year for Grigor to figure out Carlitos game. Mighty impressive.
Now I like Carlos and look forward to watching him and Sinner battle it out for supremacy in the post-big 3 era... but how can anyone with a soul root against Grigor at this point?
Of course it's not funny. Actually it's pretty sad the unfairness and one sidedness of the crowds. And of course it's not the first time and won't be the last.
@@HeavyTopspin This. I feel like anyone hating on a guy like Grigor is just evil. Dude is the nicest guy on tour and plays attractive offensive tennis. And when he's on, it's a joy to watch.
This is tennis of a different kind. Dimitrov I can tell you your opponent was in awe of what you produced. That’s a compliment when you know WHO’s on the receiving end. This has to be yours in the bag.
Wow Grigor stunned the world and me ! Unbelievable ! For all Federer fans ! Grigor played out of space tennis to beat the best player in the world, as Djokovich right now is not in shape. Miracle match! Glory to God !
3:32 Dimi’s flattened high forehand to attack here is going to be crucial, as well as his flattening of his high backhand to trade (instead of usually defending with slice)
Congratulations and respect to Grigor. He gave Carlos a tennis lesson yesterday. Even with the crowd cheering for his opponent, Dimitrov's performance was almost perfect. Please stop calling him "little Federer"; he has his personal talent and skills.
Като се надъха е железен! Вярно е, че Карлос имаше проблеми със сервиса, но Григор го притисна с отлични ретури и се бореше за всяка топка. Напред, машино!
Alcaraz didn't play badly, Grigor played one of the best matches of his life.
I would disagree, Carlos only hit 56% first serves and instead of his usual 80% at the net only won 50% of points. He missed volleys and forehands he usually makes by forcing his game.
For sure Grigor played and in particular returned very well, which drove Carlo's statistics down, but Carlos almost made tactical errors in terms of serve placement, and also was poor in the execution of his volleys.
I'm a Carlos fan. He was not at his best but Dimi was on fire and didn't miss. Congrats to Dimi.
Chadap and get lost kiddo, if somebody bring the same arguments to Djokovic when losing, it would've been a scandal @@pureffm
@pureffm statistics can be misleading, like the last part of your comment implies, a large portion of Alcaraz's UE and blunders was caused by Dimitrov rushing him and putting pressure on both his first and second serve by taking the ball early.
Having watched the full match and as also voiced by the commentators, Dimitrov was playing near flawless tennis (which I don't think he can sustain in upcoming matches), refusing Alcaraz any leeway.
@@gigitygigitygigity8580 Exactly! Everything Grigor touched was gold today. Alcaraz can't have such a drastic dip as suggested by some comments, considering how he was playing the last two weeks. He played as usual, but Grigor played God mode today, as simple as that.
Probably one of Grigor’s best matches throughout his career. Reincarnated Federer recently!
Similar to shanghai last year
Dimitrov-Tsitsipas Vienna
One of???? THE best
Carlos will come back stronger. He is the real KING OF TENNIS, GOAT
@@jppaj24 yes he is definitely already the goat, I mean two majors… no one’s ever won that many
Court level POV lets you appreciate the intensity much more. Love it!
Looking at Grigor play today, you'll think Neo Federer has made a comeback. The similarity to their games are uncanny.
It often looks that way though Grigor says he did not like the name baby Fed a while back and thinks Federer is much more aggressive with the shot making.
Carlos will come back stronger. He is the real KING OF TENNIS, GOAT
@@jppaj24 Yeah right...
The most beautiful shot in tennis is the one handed backhand down the line pass. And boy, did Dimitrov play some of those today!
Yes!!
nah, Djokovic's sliding counter backhand is not only beautiful, but also very impressive when performed on hard court or grass, even pro players are maybe 1 or 2% to master this way of moving, but none can do It so consistently through an entire career.
Tennis at its highest and purest point. You won't see anything better than this.
Stunning Dimitrov! Amazing player!
Carlos will come back stronger. He is the real KING OF TENNIS, GOAT
Grigor, win this tournament! You can do it! We need a single handed backhand back into the top 10!
Dimitrov played like prime Federer
Was definitely getting Federer flashbacks watching him step in and rip that one-hander on returns.
He's been good and better since toward the end of last season. I feel happy for him.
Totally!
Agree
Agree
Great match from Grigor! Let's hope he can keep up the pace for the semis! Браво Гришо 🇧🇬
I'm rooting for him to beat Zverev.
Zverev hasn't dropped a set yet. It's gonna be really close I think
Zverev vs dimitrov gon be a good one
Nothing better than a one handed backhand player winning a new era top player.. Pure bliss
3:05 the art of taking the ball early!
Federer's art at the finest ! an old style nowadays !
I mean the heaviness of alcaraz ball and for dimotrov to take it that early... There's like few people in the world that could do that throughout a whole match. And even fewer still that could do that consistently over several matches. I still think alcaraz's style wins out in the long run over Dimitrov, but when dude is hitting.... Oh boy is he hitting....
Dimitrov showed us the key to potentially beating Alcaraz. Taking the ball early and obliterating the 2nd serve return, putting the Spaniard in a constant defensive position. It's a different matter that only a handful of players have the skillset to execute such a plan.
Exactly, that's how Sinner is beating him...
Nonsense. Carlos did not play well but Dimi played excellently. Show me a player who has never lost. They are not machines.
@brendajohnson5525 When Alcaraz loses, it's always that he played badly! Gimme a break. Did you even see the full match?
keys were reading his serve, taking the ball early and flustering Alcaraz. Alcaraz likes time to wind up. Also Alacaraz's volleys weren't good enough often.
Carlos will come back stronger. He is the real KING OF TENNIS, GOAT
So deserved, Grigor's Tennis is the most beautiful I've ever seen. The Volley Stops and his backhand are from another world.
Grigor is currently in the best form ever. I expect very good match with Alexander.
Well done Dmitrov! Playing lights out and with much confidence.
Grigor Dimitrov---aging like fine wine!
Felt like watching Roger there ❤
I like the way Alcaraz accepts his game loss ...
Praises the opponent's game and no crying, racket smashing etc.
Dimitrov in god mood is scary
Apart from the style similarity which is what most people are seeing, GD controlled the court position, never gave Carlos too many rally balls, was almost always the aggressor in the point by hitting short, coming in, taking returns, half volleying from the baseline. Of course when he does all those things, and he's one of the few with the talent and athleticism to do those things, it's reminiscent of the swiss who played like this all the time. GD clearly had to bring this strategy to counter Carlos but I hope he chooses to play freely and aggressively like this more often than counter punching and defending. Top 10 beckons, very excited and happy for him.
Incredible level of play!! 😮
Nunca vi alcaraz perder nas trocas de bolas como hj parabéns Grigor vc foi incrível nessa marcha.
Thats how dimitrov played 2023 miami too, great against Alcaraz😮
Wow.. Dimitrov played superb. Complete surprise result
In the comment.of the previous video I said "who can stop Alcaraz?", but Dimitrov is insane. Hoping to win a Masters title for a long time！
Grigor's shot selection was a glimpse of how Roger use to play, Alcaraz said once that he missed to play against Roger but after this match he can analyze that how difficult it would have been.
I didn't think Grigor could pull this off, I stand corrected. I hope he wins it all, let's go Grigor!
They werw both hitting the ball so deep. Dimitorov is so good at picking up the ball on the rise and Carlos got that young energy and skill as well! Two sets of the kind of tennis I like!
Oh My God! The renaissance of Dimitrov is fully on!
Alcatraz was completely outplayed and outgunned. Like a kid! 👏👍🍀®️
Carlos will come back stronger. He is the real KING OF TENNIS, GOAT
@@jppaj24 No senor, Rafa is!!Rafa is coming back stronger than ever next month and he is taking the GOAT title from Sinnerer! Oh yeah!
This is what you chase as a tennis player! Perfect game!
The extension through the sternum on the backhand is pure beauty 🤌🏻
When Dimitrov plays the top spin backhand more than his overused slice, like today, you know he's come to win instead of just competing.
Absolutely incredible level of play from Grigor!
Absolutely!
He wasnt dickin around with Acaraz today!
It’s matchup dependent. Much of his improvement in recent years is due to his use of slice.
also he played it as a return to a strong serve and kept control. That is rarely seen in todays tennis. even Federer preferred to slice back anything on a strong serve. Dimitrov even attacked a good serve with his backhand! only Wawrinka knows
Amazing tennis on both sides. With a performance like that, I wonder if Dimitrov is playing better now versus when he was ranked third in the world back in 2017?
These matches and highlights of Grigor are a treasure
This match reminded me of the famous Federer-Nadal AO 17 final. Alcaraz (Nadal) like a battering Ram trying to expose Dimitrovs (Federer's) BH and just not letting up and Federer refusing to get bullied on the BH side, taking the ball early and just ripping winners.
Very true!
Nadal had already been unable to beat Federer for years on hardcourt at that stage. Even worse vs Djokovic losing 19 sets in a row on the surface.
Carlos will come back stronger. He is the real KING OF TENNIS, GOAT
You can't compare Carlos to Rafael, because Rafael is a left handed tennis player.
This is what tennis is about
Que alegría por Dimitrov, un ejemplo de constancia
Fantastic performance congratulations grigor Dimitrov🔥👏👏
Carlos will come back stronger. He is the real KING OF TENNIS, GOAT
Highest level tennis throughout. Alcaraz knows this. Amazing performance by Dimitrov. He has it in him to beat everyone. Today he showed it again.
Hope he keeps this level throughout much of the season.
Thank you Grigor for reviving good old Federer Memories 😢😊
Baby fed
Para los que decían que el revés ha una mano no existe más una probadita de que todavía está vigente ese estilo hermoso de juego
Those were some pure and clean strikes from Dimitrov. Experience overtakes youth this time!
Dimitrov played amazing....he could win to any player playing like this.
This is the limit of Carlos's game against a player who hits his spots on a fast surface, his movement is neutralized, he can't compensate for wingspan anymore. Players who keep hitting their spots with fast balls on a fast court really do hurt Carlos.
However Carlos struggled mentally, his attitude gave too much away and encouraged Grigor:
🎾 Very poor even at the net with 50% of shots made (instead of his usual 80-85%)
🎾 Only 56% of first serve points!
🎾 Carlos gave Grigor his favorite backhand returns multiple times, a tactical error.
🎾 Overall, I would have liked more moderation and control under pressure.
But to be fair Grigor executed his game play exceptionally well, it is to his credit that Carlos became increasingly nervous on serve. In a 5 setter Carlos may have found a way. But not today!
Dimitrov seemed to have a big read on Alcaraz's serve. Seemed a decisive factor to me.
@@huzcer Yes, it confused Carlos, by the time he changed things over it was too late. But the issue was also the low % of first serves from the get go and the fact that he gave Grigor his faforite backhand return 3 times instead of more towards the body on second serves.
i agree carlos struggled mentally, his anticipation skills are lacking.
as always, deepth was great with Dimitrovs play and he let him run. he took away his time and is more unorthodox than those constant hitters Carlos usually faces. Dimitrov did not even have to hit hard all the time he could just defend the court and attack by playing deep balls into the corners. easy tennis to perfection. thats how you win against any opponent on any level
Always someone better out there 😊
Court level view is so much more engaging. You can see how much spin is put in the ball, I bet most people appreciatie this angle more than the regular one.
When Dimitri play with consistency can lost, but will be tremendous match, he really is super complete and technical, beautiful shots, has all the weapons and can do everything he wants.
Dimitrov moved brilliantly and played almost perfectly. He beat Alcaraz quite deservedly. I think he will get Zverev and then I hope he gets Miami. He is playing great this tournament.
Zverev is 7-1 vs Dimitrov. He's one of the worst match-ups for him. Can't see him getting past Zverev. Beat a 17 year old Zverev and it's been 7 losses in a row since and 4 times within the last 12 months when Zverev was on his comeback and not even in full form.
@@huzcer 7-2 soon
@@Demhator02 doubt it. literally the only other active player Dimitrov has a worse record against is Djokovic.
Idk it’s gon be tough Zverev is no easy opponent he ranks high for a reason despite the allegations💯
@@huzcer Everything is possible my friend as you can see.
SUPERB. What a performance from Gregor. So pleasing to watch & all done with minimal grunting. 👍👍👍
My only regret for Grigor is that he is finding his best form too late in his career. At 33 you wonder if it’s too late. I wish him all the best, playing like this, anything is possible.
2017 i bet on him winning GS tournaments.. but he did not keep his form. now he is back, even stronger, but older. he shows us that BIG3 whould have controlled Alcaraz guy pretty well. maybe Alcaraz could have been a guy like Murrray, close but not quite there.
@@Alexander-dt2eq No, Alcaraz is of the same talent level as the big 3 if not more so. He was not at his best here, remember that he has played a lot of matches recently winning Indian wells.
@@funkslave9425 but he stated that he played well and you could see that. he just did not know what to do . yet i remember young Djokovic losing in a similar fashion to established Federer. so yes he will learn. Indian wells courts suited his style more.
@@funkslave9425 Yes - he is. He's beaten both Novak and Rafa as a teenager. He's won 2 slams and 13 titles (including a handful of ATP1000's) already and he's still only 20 and learning.
That backhand to win the first set 🤌
Shit man ! This guy can do whatever he want ! It's a pity he couldn't have won a GS ! I hope he win a lot of important matches from now on !
The new nickname of Baby Fed, should be now Federer Prime. Grigor playes the most interesting 1/8 and 1/4 matches in Miami. Pure high class tennis.
A silent Dimitrov silenced a noisy one❤
Best comment in the section 🥵🔥
@@viktoriaurumova4608 🙏 merci
Incredible tennis. Dimitrov 🙏💪💪💪🥶 wow
Watching this makes me wonder what a RF-Alcaraz match would have been like.
Smart performance. Patient, varied, aggressive and intelligent. Can he repeat it?!
Dimitrov outgunned Carlos today. Took the ball early and was flawless on his backhand.
Simply stunning Dimitrov, Carlos please stop grunting it spoils the viewing for tennis fans.😊
I TOTALLY AGREE! Seriously NOT necessary and a TOTAL HINDRANCE imho!
Dimitrov seems to be a really good lad
This angle is the best
Much as I like Carlos, I like to see an upset too. It keeps the top guys from being arrogant.
Grigor is a hugely talented player, and when he’s on, he can beat anyone, so it’s no surprise to me!
It took 10 years for Roger to figure out Rafas game and beginning to beat him regularly (7 of last 8). It took only 1 year for Grigor to figure out Carlitos game. Mighty impressive.
The fact that so many people wanted Alcaraz to win this match is not even funny 😂 Dimitrov shutting everyone up 😂😂
Now I like Carlos and look forward to watching him and Sinner battle it out for supremacy in the post-big 3 era... but how can anyone with a soul root against Grigor at this point?
Of course it's not funny. Actually it's pretty sad the unfairness and one sidedness of the crowds. And of course it's not the first time and won't be the last.
@@HeavyTopspin This. I feel like anyone hating on a guy like Grigor is just evil. Dude is the nicest guy on tour and plays attractive offensive tennis. And when he's on, it's a joy to watch.
YES thank you
Carlos will come back stronger. He is the real KING OF TENNIS, GOAT
It's uncanny how similar Federer and Dimitrovs playing style is albeit Federer had a slightly smoother slice and serving motion.
They didn't call Dimitrov "baby fed" for nothing
oh wow!!!!! Dimitrov stepped up his game!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!! Thats awesome!!!
love this angle ❤ upload more vids like this please
Just Dimitrov doing Dimitrov stuff. Can beat anyone on a good day.
3:12 that's a tennistable like backhand
Of course Carlos got surprised
Great win! Congrats Grigor! 👏😍
Once again, love the angle Tennis TV
I am so bummed out seeing Carlos in straight sets and kind of easy.
But Grigor has played well all week so congrats to him.
More vids like this, it really shows how high the ball is hit with all that topspin. 10/10
This is tennis of a different kind. Dimitrov I can tell you your opponent was in awe of what you produced. That’s a compliment when you know WHO’s on the receiving end. This has to be yours in the bag.
Thank you for the excellent highlights!
Yay! Beautiful tennis all around. Congrats.
Grigor driving Carlos crazy with VARIATION
Wow Grigor stunned the world and me ! Unbelievable ! For all Federer fans ! Grigor played out of space tennis to beat the best player in the world, as Djokovich right now is not in shape. Miracle match! Glory to God !
great win Gregor! Good to see you play like this!
in the hard court, Dimi is at the top5 level , since the last year China Open.
Dimitrov , un beau jeu et une belle mentalité !
This angle is much more realistic. Hope you ATP guys start using it as your standard angle to post on yt.
Incredible performance from D
BRAVO, Grigor!
Давай Гришо!
Бъди ШАМПИОН!
Ти можеш!
Бъди Благословен!
Fantastic Grigor!
3:32 Dimi’s flattened high forehand to attack here is going to be crucial, as well as his flattening of his high backhand to trade (instead of usually defending with slice)
Well done Greg…perfect match!
Greatness has been beckoning to Demi for a long time. Hope he finally grabs the brass ring. He really should have 3-4 slams by now.
the right week to be a dimitrov fan hehe
Dimitrov played like prime Thiem. Powefull shots!
DIMI MA BOI, YOU ROCK!
Great match, Grigor!
WOW!! COURT-LEVEL!! AWESOME! More real!! Yessssss Thank you
Flashbacks of Roger. Made me realise just how much I've missed Roger :(
Congratulations and respect to Grigor. He gave Carlos a tennis lesson yesterday. Even with the crowd cheering for his opponent, Dimitrov's performance was almost perfect. Please stop calling him "little Federer"; he has his personal talent and skills.
FINALLY, some new camera angles.
Congrats to Dimitrov, he went for the kill
Като се надъха е железен! Вярно е, че Карлос имаше проблеми със сервиса, но Григор го притисна с отлични ретури и се бореше за всяка топка.
Напред, машино!
BRAVO DIMITROV excelente