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Grigor Dimitrov reaches Stockholm semis, increases ATP Finals chances

By Harry Floyd

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 13: Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria returns a shot during Men's singles quarter final mach against Rafael Nadal of Spain on day six of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 13, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 13: Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria returns a shot during Men's singles quarter final mach against Rafael Nadal of Spain on day six of 2017 ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters at Qizhong Stadium on October 13, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) /
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Grigor Dimitrov advances at the 2017 Stockholm Open. The world No. 8 is increasing his chances of earning an ATP Finals bid.

Grigor Dimitrov is the top seed this week at the 2017 Stockholm Open in Sweden.

A former champion at the tournament, the Bulgarian tennis star won the Stockholm title in 2013 when he defeated David Ferrer 2–6, 6–3, 6–4. Now, the world No. 8 is into the semifinals, keeping hopes alive of earning another title at the ATP World Tour event.

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Dimitrov is also seeking to qualify for the 2017 ATP Finals in London. Currently in the Race to London, the Bulgarian tennis star is in the sixth position. Reaching the finals at Stockholm could thrust him into the fifth position.

Grigor Dimitrov is 40-17 on the year with 3 ATP singles titles.

With Marin Cilic not in action this week, Dimitrov’s chances of jumping positions in the Race to London are greatly improved. Up next for the world No. 8 in Stockholm is Fabio Fognini.

The Italian tennis veteran is the sixth seed this week at the Stockholm Open. In his quarterfinals match, he took on American star Jack Sock. Fognini, rising to the occasion, held strong and defeated the young American in three sets. The Italian takes the quarterfinals match 6-7 (3), 7-6 (2), 7-5. His hard-fought win over Sock should give him a confidence boost going into his meeting with Dimitrov.

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Throughout their careers, Grigor Dimitrov leads the head-to-head meetings between he and Fognini. With a 3-2 career record against the Italian, Dimitrov should be considered the favorite to win their semifinals match.

There is a lot on the line this week for the world No. 8 at the Stockholm Open. Not only is he the top seeded player in men’s singles, but he is seeking to further solidify his chances of reaching the year end finals. Defeating Mischa Zverev in straight sets during the quarterfinals, Dimitrov cruised on, winning 6-3, 6-4. The Bulgarian is yet to drop a single set this week in Stockholm. Look for him to be at his best against Fognini in the semifinals. Stay tuned to see how Grigor Dimitrov fares throughout the rest of the Stockholm Open and check back for updates on the concluding months of the 2017 ATP World Tour.

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