Grigor Dimitrov, who is enjoying a resurgence this week, rolled into the semifinal of Indian Wells as he defeated Wimbledon semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2).
This will be his first Masters semi-final this season. Dimitrov, 30, had defeated US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in the previous round.
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“After that first set it was very hard for me to find my range today,” said Dimitrov during the on-court interview.
“I was a little bit tired from yesterday and didn’t feel I really had enough time to rest and push, but I still felt and I knew I had something in me. I knew that I had to step up and be a little bit more aggressive.
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Earlier this season, the Bulgarian reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open, where he beat then-World No. 3 Dominic Thiem. Dimitrov is aiming to win his first title since triumphing at the ATP Finals in 2017 and chasing his first final since Rotterdam in 2018.
Dimitrov arrived in California in form, having enjoyed a run to the semi-finals in San Diego at the start of October, defeating Russia’s Aslan Karatsev en route to the last four.
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“I am trying to get back to a good rhythm of tennis and living and being pain free with my body,” Dimitrov said.
“Waking up and feeling my body is there gives me confidence. I am really enjoying my everyday life.”
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The 30-year-old will next face Cameron Norrie after the Brit boosted his hopes to qualify for the ATP Finals by sweeping aside Diego Schwartzman 6-0, 6-2 to reach his maiden Masters 1000 semi-final.
“I am definitely not surprised to see Cameron Norrie in the semi-finals,” Dimitrov added.
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“He has been playing great, very good matches. He is a very dangerous opponent and very crafty. It is not going to be an easy match my end.”
