Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4 6-7(4) 6-4 in a thrilling contest on Friday to reach the Miami Open final, where he will face world number three Jannik Sinner.
Dimitrov, the 11th seed, utilised his forehand to devastating effect throughout the match, making just three unforced errors to take the first set.
Fourth seed Zverev regained some control in a tight second set, serving with accuracy to deny Dimitrov any opportunities to break before clinching the tie-break to level the match.
Dimitrov took his tally of winners up to 44 in the decider as he defended a breakpoint and then took the lead at 4-3 before confidently settling the match on serve for his first win over Zverev since 2014.
“It was like a dogfight on both ends; we really went after each other,” said Dimitrov, whose victory will see him return to the top 10 for the first time since 2018.
“He upped his game in the second set. In the third set, he also had a chance, but I served well.”
In Sunday’s final, Dimitrov will face Sinner, who powered past defending Miami Open champion Daniil Medvedev 6-1 6-2 to reach the final for the second year in a row.
SINNER’S HOT STREAK CONTINUES
When Medvedev beat Sinner to claim the Miami title 12 months ago, he extended his head-to-head record over the Italian to 6-0.
But since then, the second seed has enjoyed the upper hand as he has delivered the knockout blow on five successive contests, including a five-set thriller in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
There was no such drama on Hard Rock Stadium court as Sinner delivered a clinical performance to end Medvedev’s challenge in 69 minutes.
“I felt great on court today. Usually, the more you go on in a tournament, the more comfortable you feel, and I’m very happy about today’s performance,” Sinner said after reaching the Miami final for the third time in four years.
“I don’t think Daniil felt too well today; he made a lot of mistakes he usually doesn’t make.
“For me, it is an important tournament if I can get it good; if not, I have another great chance.”
Sinner, whose only loss this season was a semi-final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in Indian Wells two weeks ago, becomes the first player this season to reach three finals.
The Italian had Medvedev under pressure right from the gun with three break chances on the Russian’s opening service game, converting on a blistering forehand winner for a 2-0 lead.
The third-seeded Russian would finally hold serve at 5-1 but only delayed the inevitable, as Sinner bagged a high-quality opening set without committing a single unforced error.
Baffled and lost for ideas, Medvedev could do nothing to slow the rampaging Sinner, who kept his foot firmly on the gas with another break to open the second set, which left the World Number four staring across the net with a stunned look.
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
