Stockholm, Sweden – The excitement is palpable as the 2024 Stockholm Open reaches its climax with an electrifying final featuring Tommy Paul and Grigor Dimitrov. This highly anticipated match, set for October 20, will see two former champions vying for the title, each looking to secure their second crown at this prestigious ATP 250 event.
Path to the Final
Tommy Paul, the fourth seed, has been in stellar form throughout the tournament. After earning a first-round bye, he advanced with a decisive 6-2, 7-6(2) victory over Serbian qualifier Laslo Djere and continued his dominance by defeating Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6(9), 6-2 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Paul showcased his prowess against the veteran Stan Wawrinka, overpowering him with a 6-3, 6-2 win that highlighted his exceptional movement and backhand consistency.
With a season record of 44-17 and two titles already under his belt, including wins in Dallas and at the Queen’s Club, Paul is eager to claim his third trophy of the year and solidify his position in the Nitto ATP Finals race.
Grigor Dimitrov’s Challenge
Standing in Paul’s way is the experienced Grigor Dimitrov, the third seed and a fan favorite in Stockholm. Dimitrov, who also received a first-round bye, had a challenging semifinal match against Tallon Griekspoor, which he won 2-6, 7-5, 6-4 after rallying from a set down. This marks Dimitrov’s fourth final appearance at the Stockholm Open, where he seeks to end a two-match losing streak in finals here.
With a solid season record of 43-15, Dimitrov’s skills and mental resilience will be crucial as he aims for his second title of the season. He holds a slight edge in head-to-head encounters against Paul, having won their last meeting at the 2020 US Open.
What to Expect
Both players are known for their quick footwork and strategic net play, making this final a must-watch event. With Dimitrov possessing a powerful serve and forehand, while Paul boasts a more reliable backhand and variations on his second serve, fans can expect a thrilling contest.
As they battle for the title and valuable ATP rankings points, this final promises to be an exhilarating clash between two of the tour’s brightest stars.