Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov advanced to the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open for the first time since 2019, overcoming sixth seed Andrey Rublev in a gripping five-set match with a score of 6-3, 7-6(3), 1-6, 3-6, 6-3. The ninth seed showcased his serving prowess, winning 80% of his first-serve points and delivering 17 aces, which frustrated Rublev throughout the match.

The match was marked by Rublev's visible frustration, which peaked when he slammed his racket against the court, resulting in a cut wrist that required medical attention. Dimitrov capitalized on Rublev's errors, breaking serve in the first set and maintaining momentum to take the second set in a tiebreak. However, Rublev fought back, winning the next two sets and leveling the match.
In the decisive fifth set, Dimitrov regained control, breaking Rublev early and holding on to secure the victory. "The steal of the second set really helped me to keep on believing and to keep on trusting in my game and in my body," Dimitrov reflected after the match, acknowledging the challenge posed by Rublev's strong play in the middle sets.

With this victory, Dimitrov sets up a quarter-final clash against either Frances Tiafoe or Alexei Popyrin. The match, which lasted three hours and 39 minutes, was a testament to Dimitrov's resilience and skill, as he navigated the ups and downs of a fiercely competitive encounter.