Grigor Dimitrov Meltdown Gives Diego Schwartzman His First Career ATP Title

Up a set and a 5-2 Grigor Dimitrov was in full control of the Istanbul final against big underdog Deigo Schwartzman, headed toward his fifth career ATP title. But funnier things have happened, and a short while later it was Schwartzman holding up the trophy after winning 11 of the last 12 games for a 6-7(5), 7-6(4), 6-0.

“I started cramping at 5-2 in the second set,” said Dimitrov. “It was very unfortunate that I couldn’t close out the match. I have to give credit to Diego.

“I have two big events coming up and hope that I can face one of the top guys there. There will be some altitude in Madrid and I won’t have much time to get ready, but I like it there.”

Why would Dimitrov want to face the top guys is puzzling since he couldn’t keep it together against the 87th ranked Schwartzman?

“It was a tough day for Grigor. He’s a big player,” Schwartzman said.

“I’m really happy. I don’t know what happened. It’s like a dream now. My first final, my first title, here in Istanbul. My best week.”

And the Bulgarian finished the match with flare defaulting a game down 0-5 in the third due to a third racquet abuse violation to give the match to the Argentine.

“I let my family down. I let my team down,” Dimitrov said. “For that kind of behavior which I’m definitely apologizing for.

“It’s all my fault. There’s not much I can say.”