"I'm beating younger guys, this makes me happy" - Grigor Dimitrov cautiously optimistic about ATP Finals qualification chances amid Paris Masters run

A confident Grigor Dimitrov expressed his desire to compete at the 2024 Nitto ATP Final after clinching a win in his second round clash at the Paris Masters. Dimitrov defeated Tomas Etcheveryy from a set down to kick off his campaign in Paris in magnificent fashion.

The race to Turin is currently at its final stretch and with the last three spots still up for grabs, the players will look to have an impressive performance at the final Masters 1000 event of the year in order to book their tickets. Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Taylor Fritz have already booked the top five positions.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, Alex de Minaur, Grigor Dimitrov. and a few others are fighting for the final three spots.

Interestingly, defending champion Djokovic withdrew from the tournament, while Ruud and Rublev lost their opening-round matches in Paris. This turn of events has placed last year's runner-up Dimitrov in a better position.

After defeating Etcheverry, the Bulgarian was questioned about his desire to play at the Nitto ATP Finals during the on-court interview.

Grigor Dimitrov said that he would love to play in the Nitto ATP Finals. He mentioned how he was still holding his ground against the best players in the world and beating the rising stars. The Bulgarian was casually optimistic about his qualification and reiterated his desire to play at the year-end finals. Here's what he said:

“I’d probably give a lot to be in Italy. I don’t wanna lie. My approach to things is a bit different than many many years ago. I’m in a place where I’m still a contender. I’m still there. I’m still fighting against the best players in the world. I’m beating the younger guys still. This gives me confidence and makes me happy as well. If you ask me if I wanna be there… yeah, absolutely.”

Dimitrov is one of the few players to have won the prestigious year-end finals. He achieved this feat in 2017 when he defeated David Goffin in a three-set thriller.

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Grigor Dimitrov will play Arthur Rinderknech in the third round of the Paris Masters 2024

In Picture: Grigor Dimitrov (Source: Getty)

Eighth seed Grigor Dimitrov will be facing home favorite Arthur Rinderknech in the third round of the 2024 Paris Masters, in what will be the second meeting between the two men. The Bulgarian won the lone meeting in Marseille earlier this year.

The French got through the first round after Tomas Machac had to retire following which he defeated Alex Michelsen.

Dimitrov has won one title this year which came in Brisbane at the beginning of the season. However, he lost the finals in Stockholm, Miami, and Marseille. He will now be looking to add another title to his resume in Paris.

Provided he wins, the 33-year-old's tally will go up to 4140 points which will guarantee his spot in the year-end finals.