Tommy Paul beats Grigor Dimitrov to become Stockholm champion again | ATP Tour
Stockholm
Paul produces a perfect performance to become Stockholm champion again
The American is looking for the ATP 250 trophy without losing a set
October 20, 2024
AFP/Getty Images
Tommy Paul beat Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets on Sunday to win the Stockholm title.
By ATP staff
Tommy Paul won his first ATP Tour title in Stockholm in 2021 and on Sunday the American became the champion at the ATP 250 event again.
Fourth-seeded Paul defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-3 in the final of the BNP Paribas Nordic Open to claim his third ATP Tour title of the season. The American team was undefeated all week and lifted the trophy after an hour and 25 minutes.
“I feel like every game I’ve played is getting better and better,” said Paul. “Today I came out and played amazing, so I was happy to play.”
2X CHAMPION IN STOCKHOLM 🏆🏆@TommyPaul | @sthlm_open | #bnpparibasnordicopen pic.twitter.com/RKH0KYIbDt
– ATP Tour (@atptour) October 20, 2024
It was a crucial win for the 27-year-old’s Nitto ATP Finals dreams. The American is trying to qualify for the season finale for the first time and by claiming the crown in Stockholm he moved up to 10th place in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, surpassing Dimitrov by beating the Bulgarian in the championship match.
Paul now trails eighth-placed Andrey Rublev by 495 points in the Live Race. He will try to further reduce the deficit next week in Vienna.
The American put himself in that position by playing well in Stockholm, where he played two tiebreaks and the closest he played was 6-4. He won five of his eight sets by a score of 6-3 or more.
Paul won only 65 percent of his first set points against Dimitrov according to Infosys ATP Stats, but it proved unnecessary. The two-time Stockholm champion masterfully handled the Bulgarian’s treacherous backhand and changed directions at the most opportune moments to dominate the rallies.
The American crushed a successful backhand winner inside the deuce court to secure a critical break at 4-3 in the second set and hold on unchallenged to defend the title. He also lifted the trophies at Dallas and Queen’s Club in 2024.
“It’s a very special place for me,” said Paul during the trophy ceremony. “This is where I got my first title a few years ago and to come out and play the level of tennis I did this week, it was a dream come true.”
Paul is the fourth player to win at least three tour-level titles this season, joining Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Matteo Berrettini. His win over Dimitrov was his fourth Top 10 win of the season (4-5).
