ATP tournament in Rotterdam, 1st round, Tuesday, 13.02.2024
He just missed out on his second title of the still young season! Grigor Dimitrov seems to have set his sights high for 2024, but in the next few days he also knows that he will have to duel with almost the entire world elite.
Only the best play at the ATP tournament in Rotterdam, so the Bulgarian will probably play a minor role in terms of the title. But will he make a real statement in round 1?
In any case, our bookmakers give him the clear role of favorite, even though his opponent is not an easy one. In my Dimitrov Sonego tip, I will therefore tell you why I have a tie-break bet in mind
A world number 13 has to be on the list of co-favorites, no matter where you serve! These days, various stars are reaching for the stars in Rotterdam, and this really isn’t a small tournament.
Once again, it’s a 500-player competition, and last year’s final pairing between Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner alone shows which stars we can expect to see in the Netherlands.
Has Grigor Dimitrov ever had any major successes here? He has never won in Rotterdam, although he did reach the final once in 2018 (losing to Roger Federer)
2023 he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals, so the court certainly seems to suit him. He would have been a hair’s breadth away from arriving really confidently, as he reached the final in Marseille.
However, after wins against Sebastian Korda, Arthur Rinderknech and Karen Khachanov, he ran out of steam here, losing 4-6, 2-6 to local hero Ugo Humbert
An unusual result, as you had previously seen four tiebreaks in three matches. The 1.91 meter tall Bulgarian is known for his strong serve, but that Humbert was simply too good in Marseille.
Interestingly, he has never met Lorenzo Sonego in his career, even though both have been on the tour for more than a decade. So a real premiere awaits you on Tuesday!
For those bookmakers where you can place your bets completely free of tax, the odds come to an average of 1.20 to 4.30, which quickly underpins Dimitrov’s clear role as favorite
Lorenzo Sonego is ranked 48th in the world and has yet to win a single match in his two previous appearances in Rotterdam. So will his black streak continue in 2024?
The Italian took some time out after his short Australian Open, so nobody knows exactly what his rhythm is like. In Melbourne, he beat Daniel Evans in four sets before heading home.
In the match against Carlos Alcaraz, he received a lot of praise, but still lost 4-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-7. Four tiebreaks in two matches at the AO? That sounds right up Dimitrov’s street!
My Dimitrov Sonego tip
Is Lorenzo Sonego exactly the opponent Grigor Dimitrov wanted for the Rotterdam opener? The Bulgarian is ahead and I also think he’s generally the stronger player.
But: Both measure 1.91 meters and can serve well, Sonego was even able to prove this strength Down Under against Alcaraz. That’s why I’ve decided to bet on at least one close set:
A tiebreak will be involved at least!
