2021 US Open First Round – Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice taking place? Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice on and what time does it start? Monday 30th August, 2021 – not before 19:15 (UK)
What surface is Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice being played on? Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice
What channel is Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice on in the UK? Amazon have exclusive rights to show the 2021 US Open in the UK so it is worth checking the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs for Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice
Where can I stream Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Grigor Dimitrov vs Sam Riffice live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
GRIGOR DIMITROV
Former world number three Grigor Dimitrov reached the quarter-finals of his first three tournaments this season, including the Australian Open, but he has got no further and has since endured a fairly dreadful year. The 30-year-old has eight ATP titles to his name, with the 2017 ATP Finals his crowning glory, but he looks set to be one of the most surprising players never to reach a Grand Slam final. The Bulgarian has reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon, the Australian Open and most recently the US Open with a shock run in 2019.
SAM RIFFICE
22-year-old Sam Riffice has never played a match on the ATP tour but we have seen as recently as Wimbledon last month how wildcarders can grab their opportunity with both hands. The American has spent the majority of his young career on the ITF circuit. let alone the Challenger Tour, but he will be well supported by the home crowds in New York.
THE PREDICTION
22-year-old wildcard Sam Riffice will play the biggest match of his career in the first round here against world number 18 Grigor Dimitrov. Former world number three Dimitrov should of course be winning this match in three comprehensive sets but such is his poor, unpredictable form this season that this draw looks a real banana skin. Riffice will be well-backed as the severe underdog here in the youngster’s first ever game on the ATP tour and there is no doubt that sport is made of these kinds of stories. As a fun one-off taking Riffice to win at least a set here would be one of the less shocking ‘shocks’ at the US Open but leave this match well out of an accumulator.
