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12/22/2024 10:57:14 pm

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If Stockholm Open: Dimitrov, Berdych Sets Up Final of Champions

Defending champion Grigor Dimitrov won his semifinals match and has setup a final of champions against 2012 title holder Tomas Berdych at the If Stockholm Open in Sweden

(Photo : atpworldtour.com)

Defending champion Grigor Dimitrov won his semifinals match and has setup a final of champions against 2012 title holder Tomas Berdych at the If Stockholm Open in Sweden on Saturday.

 Second seeded Dimitrov finished the streak of Bernard Tomic's romp over seeded players as the Bulgarian star broke the 21-year-old Australian once to take the first set but Tomic broke Dimitrov early in the second set to lead 4-1 and had two set point opportunities but failed to deliver.

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When Tomic was serving at 5-3, he was faced with a break point but double-faulted which Dimitrov took advantage and broke the Australian again to finish the set and the match 6-3 7-5 in a 79 minute matchup.

With the win, Dimitrov collected 150 points for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London but is still a far cry to be included in the eight-man short list for he is 230 points behind eighth placer Andy Murray.

Dimitrov's win however puts him up with a clash against former champion Berdych in the finals of his maiden tournament on Sunday.

"I like my chances," Dimitrov said. "I never dislike my chances if I'm in the final. It's a nice place to be again. It brings the best out in you so for me it's a really nice place to be in.

The World No. 7 Berdych had a tough first set against German qualifier Matthias Bachinger in their semifinals match but eventually held on to finish the match 7(9)-6(7) 6-4 in a match that lasted an hour and 25 minutes.

Berdych, 29, is also competing to be part of the year-ending tournament in London and is currently in seventh position.

He is in the same boat as Dimitrov who is hungry to earn some valuable points in order to make it to the prestigious event.

"I'm in the same position as him," Berdych said. "I'm going to try and do the same thing and really just try to play my tennis and fight for another title."

Dimitrov is currently ahead of Berdych in their matchup, winning three out of four of their encounters.

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