Turin race tightens as Dimitrov piles on the pressure

Grigor Dimitrov scored a Wednesday win into the third round of the Paris Masters as the veteran makes a run at a spot in the eight-man season finale.

The 33-year-old Bulgarian stands provisional 10th in the race to Turin, where play begins on November 10. While he would need to reach the Paris final in order to claim one of the spots, Dimitrov’s win tightens the points race.

Five positions in the field are already decided, with Jannik Sinner setting the pace along with Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz.

Novak Djokovic stands sixth but is apparently unlikely to take part as the 38-year-old reduces his competitive season,

Others battling for the remaining spots in Italy are Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev and Alex de Minaur.

Dimitrov is next in the queue and did his chances no harm with his Paris defeat of Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-7 (9), 6-3, 7-5 in two and three-quarter hours.

“It’s tough conditions, at the end of the year it’s very tricky,” said Dimitrov, 12-0 in Bercy arena opening rounds.

“I would give a lot to be in (Turin),” he said, “I’m still a contender, 

“I’m still fighting against the best players in the world, and still beating the younger guys. This gives me confidence and makes me happy.”

Main photo:- Grigor Dimitrov celebrates in Bercy – by ATPTour.com