Grigor Dimitrov ends run of Francisco Cerundolo in epic late night grueller at Miami Open

Grigor Dimitrov (14) ended Francisco Cerúndolo’s (23) Miami Open run in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, prevailing 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(4) in a grueling quarterfinal contest that lasted nearly three hours.

It was a heartbreaking end for the last Argentine standing in Miami. Cerúndolo, who hadn’t dropped a set all tournament, came into the clash in fine form, having dispatched Tommy Paul and Casper Ruud en route to the final eight. The 25-year-old also impressed during the Sunshine Double, reaching the quarterfinals in Indian Wells before falling to Carlos Alcaraz.

Dimitrov, meanwhile, continued his strong run in South Florida with victories over Karen Khachanov and American Brandon Nakashima. Like Cerúndolo, his Indian Wells campaign had also ended at the hands of Alcaraz. The Bulgarian entered Miami hoping to repeat his 2024 performance, when he reached the final before losing to Jannik Sinner.

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In a match filled with momentum swings, it was Cerúndolo who struck first. He secured an early break in the opening set but couldn’t hold onto it, as both players settled into a high-level baseline battle. The set ultimately went to a tense tiebreak, where the Argentine held his nerve to edge ahead.

Despite showing signs of fatigue, Dimitrov dug deep in the second set. He broke early and maintained the advantage, using his trademark backhand slice to neutralize Cerúndolo’s powerful forehand and disrupt his rhythm from the baseline.

The deciding set was equally dramatic. Cerúndolo earned a crucial break but once again couldn’t consolidate, as Dimitrov fought back to level the score. With the match on a knife’s edge, the Argentine earned a match point at 6-5 on Dimitrov’s serve, but the Bulgarian held firm, eventually forcing a second tiebreak.

In the decisive moments, Dimitrov’s experience shone through. He played a cleaner breaker, kept his composure, and capitalized on his chances to book a place in the semifinals.

The 33-year-old now awaits the winner of the quarterfinal between Novak Djokovic and Sebastian Korda, as he continues his quest for a maiden Masters 1000 title in Miami.

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