October

Dimitrov Set to Make ATP Finals Debut, Cilic Also Qualifies

Grigor Dimitrov will make his debut at the ATP Finals next month, and the Bulgarian will be joined by Marin Cilic as both players qualified based on results at Vienna and Basel on Tuesday.Dimitrov is the fifth to qualify for the event. The 26-year-old has claimed three titles in 2017 as well as reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open. Dimitrov claimed the Sofia title on home soil in an emotional display and also won his first Masters 1000 title at Cincinnati. In January he claimed the Brisbane title as part of a 16-1 run to begin his campaign.Last year at this time of the season, Dimitrov said he hoped to finally have a crack at playing at the 02 Arena.“This time next year hopefully I can be aiming at London. It’s been a dream of mine to get there, to the World Tour Finals,” he told TennisTV. “A couple of years ago I missed it by one spot so for sure I was sad about that and I always wanted to be able to play there and be part of it because I feel I deserve it. You know, like ‘why not me?’ So I think it’s pretty much the most important goal for me.”Now that he’s there, he’ll look to make a statement against the biggest names on the ATP Tour. He has gone 3-5 against the ATP’s Top 10 this year (16-51 lifetime), but has lost his last five.Cilic has now qualified for the World Tour Finals three times in four years.

The Croatian reached the Wimbledon final in July, and he’s currently at a career-high ATP ranking of No.4 in the world. Dimitrov and Cilic join Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev—there are two spots still up for grabs at Vienna and Basel and next week in Paris. ]]>

Chris Oddo

Chris Oddo is a freelance sportswriter, podcaster, blogger and social media marker who is a lead contributor to Tennisnow.com. He also writes for USOpen.org, Rolandgarros.com, BNPParibasOpen.com, TennisTV.com, WTAtennis.com and the official US Open program.

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