Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown

Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov

Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have both shared their thoughts ahead of what promises to be an intriguing quarter-final clash at the 2024 Miami Open.

Dimitrov recognised Alcaraz has been playing “exceptional tennis”, but expressed his confidence by declaring he has too, while Alcaraz described the Bulgarian as “really talented” and “tough.”

The duo will meet in the last eight of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament on Thursday in their fifth meeting, with Alcaraz leading the head-to-head 3-1.

The Spaniard won the pair’s first three encounters in straight sets, including matches in Madrid and at Queen’s Club last year. Dimitrov, though, won their most recent matchup in three sets in the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters in October.

Alcaraz is on a nine-match winning streak, having claimed the Indian Wells title earlier this month to end an eight-month wait for a tournament win. The world No 2 is yet to drop a set in Miami and lost only two in six matches in Indian Wells.

Dimitrov has built on his consistent form in the second half of 2023 by making a strong 18-4 start to 2024 — which he kicked off by winning his first title in over six years in Brisbane.

In his press conference after beating world No 9 Hubert Hurkacz in a third set tiebreak in the last 16 in Miami, Dimitrov discussed facing the top seed.

“I’m looking forward to the game. Everyone wants to challenge the best in the world and it is clear that he has been playing exceptional tennis, but so have I,” the former world No 3 said.

“I have been very consistent in many aspects. I think that if I take care of my game a little it can be very interesting. I’m excited because these are the type of games I want to play. It’s the first time here in the quarter-finals, I think that gives me an extra boost.”

The world No 12 also discussed his achievement of reaching the quarter-finals in Miami for the first time in his career, as well as his fifth straight win over Hurkacz.

“At last. This tournament has been like kryptonite for me. Today was a very tough battle. Hubi is an amazing guy. Above all, I’m happy to be able to stay in the game and have such a good run,” the 32-year-old continued.

“He is such a tough competitor and so smart on the court… I think physically we were both attacking each other very hard today, but it was a nice match to play.”

After defeating Lorenzo Musetti to progress to the last eight, Alcaraz looked ahead to facing Dimitrov and identfified the Bulgarian’s slice as a potential key to the match.

“Obviously against Dimitrov, the last match I played against him, I lost. It was in Shanghai. I know he’s a really talented player, really tough one,” the two-time Grand Slam champion said in his press conference.

“Here with the court, I feel that the slice a lot is going to be difficult for me. I know that. But, you know, I try to play my best game and try to get the victory.”