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Match details
Fixture: (1) Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Grigor Dimitrov
Tournament: Erste Bank Open 2021
Round: First round (Round of 32)
Venue: Vienna, Austria
Category: ATP 500
Surface: Indoor hardcourt
Prize money: €1,837,190
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel & ESPN | UK - Amazon Prime Video
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Grigor Dimitrov preview
Top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas will take on Grigor Dimitrov in the first round of the 2021 Erste Bank Open in Vienna. The duo had also clashed in the second round of the event last year, with Dimitrov winning in three sets.
Tsitsipas is coming off a maiden last-eight appearance at Indian Wells, even though his run was marred by bouts of illness. The 23-year-old lost to Nikoloz Basilashvili there but is in much better shape now, as witnessed during the tie-break event he played prior to the Vienna Open.
All of Tsitsipas' hardcourt titles have been indoors, so he should feel very comfortable playing in Vienna. The Greek will be looking to build some momentum for the season's last two big events - the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals.
Grigor Dimitrov, meanwhile, started the year on a strong note, reaching the quarterfinals of the first three events he played - including the Australian Open. However, a mid-season slump saw him exit early in a string of big tournaments.
Dimitrov seems to be getting back to his best now, with back-to-back semifinal appearances in San Diego and Indian Wells. Remarkably, he lost to the eventual champions on both occasions.
The Bulgarian will look to continue his run of good results and try to win his first title in four years when he takes the court at Vienna.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Grigor Dimitrov head-to-head
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov have split their two prior meetings, so their head-to-head is tied at 1-1.
Both of their matches have gone to three sets, and Dimitrov won their most recent encounter (at last year's Vienna Open) 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Grigor Dimitrov prediction
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov have similar games; they both possess a strong serve and big forehand coupled with a one-handed backhand. Perhaps the reason why their past matches have gone the distance is because their playing styles are so similar.
That said, they differ a lot when it comes to tactical and in-match plays. Dimitrov tends to resort to defense when put under pressure, while Tsitsipas is usually more proactive in the crunch moments.
Dimitrov is also more inconsistent with his baseline play, which is why he struggles to maintain his level in long matches.
Barring a couple of bad results, Tsitsipas has been the more consistent player of the two this year, and has played at a high level throughout. We can expect the 23-year old to avenge last year's loss at the Vienna Open.
Prediction: Stefanos Tsitsipas to win in straight sets.
