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Jannik Sinner 'the one to chase' - Grigor Dimitrov hails his Miami Open conqueror as 'best in the world right now'
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Published 01/04/2024 at 12:07 GMT+1
Grigor Dimitrov was effusive in his praise for Jannik Sinner after losing in straight sets to the Italian in the Miami Open final on Sunday. Dimitrov described his opponent as "the one to chase" and the "best in the world right now" after he earned his third title of the season following wins at the Australian Open and in Rotterdam. Dimitrov also said he "felt like a rockstar" on his run.
Watch highlights as Sinner beats Dimitrov to win Miami Open title
Video credit: SNTV
Jannik Sinner was hailed as “the best player in the world right now” by Grigor Dimitrov after winning the Miami Open final against the Bulgarian, who “felt like a rockstar” during his run.
Sinner has started the 2024 season in stunning form, winning his first career major at the Australian Open in January before claiming ATP titles in Rotterdam and Miami.
He leapfrogged Carlos Alcaraz in the rankings following his victory in Florida to climb to world No. 2 ahead of the clay season.
“Jannik has been playing amazing tennis. It’s impressive to see him keeping this way of playing,” Dimitrov said.
“He plays his shots with zero doubt. It’s just clear that it’s time for his prime tennis.
“Can he play better? I don’t know. He’s the one who has to show up and he’s the best player right now in the world.”
Dimitrov moved up to No. 9 in the world after a run where he defeated top 10 players Hubert Hurkacz, Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev to reach the championship match.
The 32-year-old had no answer to the Italian in a 6-3 6-1 defeat, but enjoyed the experience of going deep at a big event.
“I felt like a rockstar these last few days,” Dimitrov said.
“I really felt embraced, felt the love of the crowd. It’s been amazing weeks honestly.”
“When you lose matches it doesn’t matter if it’s like that or three sets. I need some days off to reassess where I’m at and get back at it, it’s the only way,” he added.
“I still can compete against these guys and do good against them. For sure Sinner is the one to chase right now.”
Although Dimitrov’s defeat came in emphatic style, with the Bulgarian only able to win one game in the second set, he still believes the new generation aren’t at the level of the ‘Big Three’ who came before.
“The toughest player I’ve ever played at his absolute prime was Roger [Federer],” Dimitrov said.
“I remember one day at Wimbledon I wanted to dig a hole and disappear. I’ve not felt that way against the other ones.”
Next up for both players is the Monte-Carlo Masters, another ATP 1000 event and the first big tournament of the clay-court season.
Starting on April 7, the event kicks off the run-up to the French Open, which runs from May 26-June 9 and will be shown live on Eurosport and discovery+.
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Stream top tennis action, including the 2024 French Open, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com
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