American Tommy Paul, the No 4 seed, emerged victorious at the Stockholm Open by defeating Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, the No 3 seed, with a score of 6-4, 6-3 at the Kungliga Tennishallen on Sunday.
Paul took control early in the match by winning 12 of the first 14 points and breaking Dimitrov’s opening service game. Despite missing out on some opportunities to secure a double break, Paul managed to close out the first set with the initial break being crucial for his success.
In the second set, both players improved their first serve effectiveness, but it was Paul who made significant strides in serving well in the slick conditions, winning 92 percent and 80 percent of points on his first and second serve, respectively. He sealed the victory with a cross-court forehand winner, claiming his second Stockholm title.
Ranked No 13, Paul defeated tough opponents like Laslo Djere, Miomir Kecmanovic, and Stan Wawrinka on his way to victory. Dimitrov, ranked No 10, had a strong run in the tournament as well, overcoming players like Quentin Halys, Dominic Stricker, and Tallon Griekspoor in the previous rounds.
Overall, this victory marks Paul’s fourth trophy of the season, adding to his previous wins at Dallas and Queen’s earlier in the year.
