Grigor Dimitrov ends Jack Sock’s fairytale run at the ATP World Tour Finals

Jack Sock saved three match points, only to lose the final point in the end, with Grigor Dimitrov securing his place against David Goffin, defeating the American 4-6 6-0 6-3.

Jack Sock was the unlikeliest of players to make it thus far. Ranked No. 22 before going into the Paris Masters event, he prevailed there and won his first Masters title, shooting his ranking up to No. 9, and with Stan Wawrinka out, giving him the shock last spot at the ATP Finals. He said he was “playing with house money” going into the tournament, but he rose to the occasion throughout, getting to the semifinals against all the odds.

But then he ran into Grigor Dimitrov, who remains undefeated in the final ATP tourney of the year. But like Sock, he’s also a first-time Masters 1000 winner this year, in Cincinnati. Both Sock and Dimitrov have capitalized on Nadal’s and Federer’s absences from tournaments, with Nadal going out early in Cincinnati and Paris, and Federer skipping both due to his troublesome back. But it’s no small feat to rise above contenders such as Alexander Zverev, Marin Cilic, and Dominic Thiem, all competitive foils in any event. 2017 has been a fantastic year for both Sock and Dimitrov, and their drive will be paid back with ranking highs after the ATP Finals. Grigor Dimitrov will be the new No. 3 and Jack Sock the new No. 8.

There can only be one victor, and despite an aggressive start by the American, it was the Bulgarian who steeled his nerves to close in on the win in the third set. But Sock put on a fight, contesting two break chances and doing his best to save three match points.

Grigor Dimitrov has to love his chances going into the final against David Goffin, who he just beat easily four days ago, 6-0, 6-2. However, the Goffin who sent Roger Federer home earlier Saturday is a far different opponent. If he puts on a show like he did in the semifinals, the matchup between Goffin and Dimitrov will likely be far different.

But as the only undefeated player in the final, Grigor Dimitrov has a lot of motivation to take home the title. He gains 1,500 maximum points, and a purse string of $2.5M. Not bad. Surely he can find a way with such a pot of gold awaiting him with the tournament crown.

The final takes place on Sunday, 1:00 p.m. EST.