Grigor Dimitrov defeats Jack Sock to set up final against David Goffin at ATP Finals
Brilliant Bulgarian will end 2017 as the new world No 3 after reaching Sunday's final at O2
Sunday 19 November 2017 17:41, UK
Grigor Dimitrov set up a final showdown with David Goffin at the ATP Finals in London after battling past Jack Sock 4-6 6-0 6-3 on Saturday night.
Dimitrov topped the Pete Sampras group after an impressive week that included a tight three-set win against Austria's Dominic Thiem, a thumping victory against Goffin, whom he will play for the second time in a week on Sunday - live on Sky Sports Arena from 3.30pm - and an electrifying performance against Pablo Carreno Busta on Friday night.
Live Tennis: ATP World Tour Finals
The sixth seed started where he left off by making a blistering start, winning the first three games. But lost his serve for just the third time all well as he was pegged back by the American No 1, who found his A-game.
Sock has enjoyed a fairytale few weeks, following up his victory at the Paris Masters by beating Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic and shocking world No 3 Alexander Zverev in London to reach the last four.
He turned the set on its head in dramatic style by claiming six out of the next seven games to move ahead.
But in a huge turnaround of furtunes, Dimitrov responded in unerring fashion with a perfect 6-0 scoreline in 22 minutes to set up a deciding set shoot-out.
The 26-year-old won seven games in a row before Sock finally stopped the rot in what was turning into a tight and tense final set.
The adrenaline was pumping from both players with the rallies more and more intense - including a brutal 21-shot rally in the fifth game which floored Sock.
Dimitrov made the breakthrough after taking his second break point chance with an aggressive forehand in the eighth game.
Sock, who saved four match points against Dimitrov in Indian Wells and one in Montreal two years ago, before going on to win on both occasions, saved three more, but at the fourth time of asking the Bulgarian wasn't to be denied.
Shot of the match
"It's on" for Dimitrov
"Jack is an unbelievable player - he was playing so well," said Dimitrov. "But my belief was so good today and I'm glad I managed to win. In that third set I was just trying to get that break. I was very composed with myself and not let any negative thoughts come into my head.
And on the final, he added: "It's another match tomorrow and it's the last match of the season - it's on."
Experts' view
If you look at Sock, he has still got a lot of things he can get better at and improve on. He has got to be very pleased with the way he has finished the season. He has taken a huge step up this year.
It looked like it could have slipped away from him (Dimitrov) even in that last game. For him to finally convert that fourth match point, I am sure he is the most relieved person inside the arena.
What's next
Dimitrov will play Goffin in the final of the season-ending showpiece. You can watch all the action - live on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Mix from 3.30pm.
The season-ending extravaganza ATP Finals ends another memorable year which will be covered via our website www.skysports.com/tennis with live blogs, reports, reaction and expert analysis as the season reaches its climax.
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