Gabriel Diallo’s fairytale run at the Mutua Madrid Open continued in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, when he saved three match points to claw past Grigor Dimitrov. The Canadian lucky loser produced an inspired turnaround, capitalizing on an untimely fall from Dimitrov to prevail 5-7, 7-6(7), 6-4 and reach his maiden ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final.
Trailing 3/5 in the second-set tie-break, Diallo outlasted Dimitrov in a scrappy point, which left the Bulgarian tumbling to the clay. “I honestly thought I was going home,” said Diallo. “I thought the margins were so thin. It might be the best serving performance I ever displayed in my whole life. I was lucky I got the point at 4/6 with [his] loose error, and then I was really confident at 5/6 behind my serve. Then I saved another match point… Tennis is up and down, so you just try and manage. Luckily today I managed to flip and win the match.”
While Dimitrov dusted himself off to hold serve and set up two match points at 6/4, he was unable to convert either, and Diallo fended off a third at 7/6 before forcing a decider. Prior to their maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head clash, Dimitrov held a 5-0 deciding-set record in 2025, but couldn’t halt the momentum shift. He surrendered a service break in the opening game, which ultimately proved the difference.
Diallo is up 25 spots to a career-high No. 53 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings this week with his run to the quarter-finals, where he awaits Alex de Minaur or Lorenzo Musetti. The 23-year-old is competing as a lucky loser for the third time in his four main-draw appearances at Masters 1000 level. It is not the first time Diallo has saved match points to advance at Masters 1000 level this year. The Canadian fended off two in the third-set tie-break before defeating Zhang Zhizhen in the first round in Indian Wells last month.
Dimitrov appeared to be in control and marching towards a 96th tour-level quarter-final when he held three match points in the tie-break. Yet the 33-year-old appeared bothered by the cuts on his left knee and right hand, for which he received treatment after dropping the set. Diallo dropped just two of 19 first-serve points in the final set, according to Infosys ATP Stats, en route to the biggest win of his career.
Earlier in the tournament, Diallo showcased his formidable skills by defeating Belgian Zizou Bergs with a decisive score of 6-1, 6-2, followed by a hard-fought victory against Pole Kamil Majchrzak, where he won 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. He then faced British player Cameron Norrie, overcoming a first set loss to secure a comeback victory of 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
On the other side of the net, Dimitrov had a strong tournament leading up to this match. He initially dispatched Chilean Nicolas Jarry with a score of 6-3, 6-4 and followed that up with a win over qualifier Jacob Fearnley, winning 6-4, 7-6(3). However, despite his earlier successes, Dimitrov's inability to convert match points against Diallo marked a significant upset in the tournament.
As Diallo prepares for the next round, he will face either Alex de Minaur or Lorenzo Musetti, both of whom are formidable opponents in their own right. De Minaur, the No. 6 seed, and Musetti, the No. 10 seed, have both shown strong performances in the tournament and will be looking to advance to the semi-finals themselves.
Diallo's journey in this tournament is a testament to his resilience and determination. Having entered the tournament as a lucky loser, he has proven that he belongs among the elite players in the ATP circuit. His ability to save match points and turn the tide in crucial moments speaks volumes about his mental fortitude.
At just 23 years old, Diallo is making a name for himself on the ATP Tour, and his rise in the rankings reflects his hard work and dedication. With each match, he gains valuable experience and confidence, setting the stage for what could be a breakout season.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he continues his campaign in Madrid. Can Diallo maintain his momentum and push further into the tournament? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: he has already made a significant impact at the Mutua Madrid Open.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement builds. The Caja Mágica is buzzing with anticipation, and with players like Diallo making headlines, the stakes have never been higher. Tennis fans around the world are eager to see how this thrilling story unfolds as the Madrid Masters reaches its climax.
