Grigor Dimitrov is feeling good in Miami. “I like the vibes in Miami,” he said, and it’s showing in his results. The Bulgarian reached the final at Hard Rock Stadium last year but fell to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. With Sinner out and top seeds dropping left and right, the draw is wide open. Coming into the fourth round, Dimitrov had some serious points to defend. A loss to Brandon Nakashima would have sent him out of the Top 20. Instead, he made it to his second Miami Open quarterfinal and will enter it as No. 20 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. But a tough challenge awaits him—Francisco Cerundolo. So, who takes this battle? Let’s break it down.
Grigor Dimitrov vs Francisco Cerundolo: Preview
Dimitrov’s season has been a rollercoaster. He’s already had three retirements due to injuries, including an unfortunate exit in Brisbane, where he was the defending champion. A semifinal retirement against Jiri Lehecka cut his campaign short.
Despite those setbacks, Dimitrov had a solid run in Indian Wells, making the fourth round before being dismantled 6-1, 6-1 by Carlos Alcaraz. In Miami, he got off to a strong start. After an opening-round bye, he cruised past Federico Cina 6-1, 6-4 in the second round. Next, he battled past 22nd seed Karen Khachanov in a tough three-setter, winning 6-7 (3), 6-4, 7-5. His fourth-round match was smoother, as he took out 31st seed Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 7-5 to book a spot in the quarters.
On the other side, Francisco Cerundolo has been quietly putting together a strong season. The Argentine boasts a 16-6 record in 2025, showing impressive form since the South American clay swing. He reached the final at the Argentina Open, losing 4-6, 6-7 (1) to Joao Fonseca, and made the semifinals at the Chile Open, falling to Laslo Djere in three sets.
Cerundolo carried that momentum into the Sunshine Double, reaching the Indian Wells quarterfinals before falling to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. In Miami, he has been untouchable, not dropping a set so far. He began with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Alexandre Muller, then pulled off two upsets—beating 12th seed Tommy Paul 6-2, 7-6 (4) and taking down fifth seed Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-2.
Grigor Dimitrov vs Francisco Cerundolo: Head-to-Head
This will be the second meeting between Dimitrov and Cerundolo. The Bulgarian leads their head-to-head 1-0, having won their only previous encounter:
2023 Queen’s Club, England R16: Dimitrov won 6-3, 7-5.
Prediction: Cerundolo to Win in Three Sets
Cerundolo is proving that he’s far more than just a clay-court specialist. His record in Miami speaks for itself—semifinalist in 2022, quarterfinalist in 2023, and now back in the final eight. His heavy topspin forehand is becoming a serious weapon on faster courts, and the Miami conditions suit his game perfectly.
Dimitrov, on the other hand, has historically struggled here. Last year’s runner-up finish was his first time making it past the fourth round in 12 attempts. His versatile game requires multiple elements to click—his groundstrokes to dictate play, his slice to mix things up, and his volleying to finish points. If everything works, he’s a threat. If not, he’s in trouble.
One major advantage for Dimitrov? His serve. The Bulgarian has been clutch in Miami, saving every break point he’s faced. Against Nakashima, he didn’t face a single one. If he keeps serving like that, he’ll have a chance.
That said, Cerundolo’s baseline consistency and shot-making ability could give him the edge. He has the power and patience to break down Dimitrov’s game, and if he stays solid on serve, he might just outlast the Bulgarian. This one should be tight, but Cerundolo could have the upper hand!
The post Miami Open 2025: Grigor Dimitrov vs Francisco Cerundolo; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction appeared first on EssentiallySports.
