Grigor Dimitrov and Taylor Fritz advance to the quarterfinals of the US Open

New York. With support from his friend Serena Williams in the stands, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov sealed his return to the US Open quarter-finals for the first time since 2019 on Sunday, while local Taylor Fritz advanced against Casper Ruud.

Dimitrov, ninth in the ATP, quelled the rebellion of Russian Andrey Rublev (6), who came back from two sets down in the first duel of the day on the central court of Flushing Meadows (New York).

The 33-year-old Bulgarian held his nerve and brought his veteran status to bear in the final set to win 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 1-6, 3-6 and 6-3 after three hours and 39 minutes.

For the second day in a row, Serena Williams returned to the stage where she won six of her 23 trophies Grand Slamthis time enthusiastically celebrating Dimitrov’s victory from the stands.

“For some reason I’m not nervous about playing in front of her, she gave me a boost yesterday,” the Bulgarian said on court. “It’s amazing to play in front of this amazing crowd and great friends.”

Dimitrov, who at this stage of his career is focused on major tournaments, was close to being another victim of Rublev’s grit, who on Wednesday came back from two sets down against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech.

“I was playing very well but for some reason my body started to lose rhythm and I knew he wasn’t going to give up the match. I had to be patient. I think the most important thing today was my experience,” Dimitrov explained about Rublev’s reaction.

The Bulgarian, a finalist this year at the Miami Masters 1000, will fight for his second semi-final in New York against local Frances Tiafoe or Australian Alexei Popyrin, the executioner of Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.

In parallel, Taylor Fritz, the highest-ranked American in the ATP rankings, did complete a comeback to beat Norwegian Casper Ruud, runner-up in 2022.

Fritz, world number 12, defeated Ruud (8) 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 and 6-2 and avenged his defeat in the round of 16 at Roland Garros.

The Californian, who was far superior on serve (24 aces to Ruud’s 4), will play his second consecutive quarter-final in his country’s Grand Slam against the winner of the duel between German Alexander Zverev and American Brandon Nakashima.