Dimitrov, Kyrgios Set Up Brisbane SF; Frenchmen Monfils, Simon Seek Saturday Titles

by Staff | January 5th, 2018, 6:57 pm
  • 6 Comments

In the first big official ATP clash of 2018, Grigor Dimitrov and Nick Kyrgios collide Saturday in the Brisbane semifinals.

Dimitrov, who won the Brisbane title last year, hung on to deny Kyle Edmund 6-3, 6-7(3, 6-4. Kyrgios has to overcome a set deficit against Alexandr Dolgopolov 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Dimitrov leads the Australian favorite 2-0 including a win in the Cincinnati final over the summer.


“He can do everything pretty much out there on the court,” said Dimitrov. “I have just got to be ready all the time; simple as that. You just never know what can come from him. I think obviously he’s one of the most talented players out there; it’s without a doubt. He can serve and hit every shot. He hits the spots, the slice and is even moving better.

“So he’s definitely a challenger. He has proven himself, last year playing quite a few good matches, getting to the final we played against each other in Cincinnati. He has everything to beat anyone and he has proven that.”

In the other semifinal, surprising 18-year-old Alex De Minaur will take on American Ryan Harrison.

The Pune and Doha finals are set, and each features a veteran Frenchman.

In Pune, Gilles Simon will face US Open finalist Kevin Anderson. While in Doha, Gael Monfils meets young Russian Andrey Rublev. The Rublev saved a match point in a thrilling final set breaker win over Guido Pella.

Monfils advanced to the final without having to hit a ball after top seed Dominic Thiem withdrew due to a fever.

“I’m very sad for Dominic and I hope he will have a speedy recovery,” Monfils said. “I’m happy to be in the final for the fourth time here. I hope this one will be better than the other ones. I’m just pleased [with] the way the year has started and I’ll be ready for tomorrow.”


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6 Comments for Dimitrov, Kyrgios Set Up Brisbane SF; Frenchmen Monfils, Simon Seek Saturday Titles

Daniel Says:

Awesome clash, the winner will be heavy favorite in final and will enter AO with a title and confidence sky high.


AndyMira Says:

God!…De Minaur is AWESOME!!..Woohoo!!…Everything’s about him is a joy to watch!…Cool,calm,collected,silence,have a very good manner so far,unafraid,full of confidence..His tennis is brilliant!Urgh!..If he can go through to the final,i hope he can give Dimi/Nicky a very tough test…I’m rooting for him to win now!


J.S. Says:

I agree on De Minaur~fun to watch!

Now to Dimitrov vs Kyrgios – I am rooting for Dimitrov…..I would pull a Tanya Harding on Kyrgios, can’t stand him or his play!!!! Not sure why I watch him, literally can’t stand him or what he stands for!

SORRY! Not biting my tongue, lol!


j-kath Says:

J.S.: Good to “see” you again. Yes, Kyrios can be a pain in the derriere – Jekyll & Hyde’s – when he’s good he’s very, very good and when he’s bad he’s horrid. Nonetheless, prefer him over the very good-looking Grigor.


J.S. Says:

haha J-Kath….Not sure why he bothers me so much, but he does!

Yes on good-looking Grigor!

What do you think about Australian Open….who is favoured?


j-kath Says:

J.S.
“What do I think about Australian Open….who is favoured?”
If I knew who was playing, it would be easier to answer.
However – assuming all three play (Rafa, Nole, Roger) –
Rafa or Nole will win – Roger is playing well – but he is
predictable in many ways and these two can “read” him
better than the “pack”.

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