Stockholm final preview, picks and prediction: Dimitrov vs. Paul

It will be a crucial battle in more ways than one when Grigor Dimitrov and Tommy Paul face off at the Nordic Open on Sunday.

Not only is there a title at stake, but whoever triumphs will also be the number 10 seed in the race for the Nitto ATP Finals. Dimitrov currently holds that spot, but Paul is only 50 points behind in 11th place. Sunday's champion will be less than 500 points behind Andrey Rublev in the important eighth place.

This is the third meeting between Dimitrov and Paul; Surprisingly, it is their first duel in more than four years. They faced each other twice during the 2020 season as Paul prevailed 6-4, 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-7(3), 7-6(3) before Dimitrov won 6-6. 4, 6:3 won. 3, 6-1 at the US Open.

As their respective rankings in the 2024 race suggest, both players have been outstanding this season. Paul was particularly consistent, racking up 44 match wins while climbing to No. 13 in the world. The American made progress in Stockholm, beating Laslo Djere, Miomir Kecmanovic and Stan Wawrinka all in straight sets.

Dimitrov, a former Nitto ATP Finals champion (2017), helped his Turin team to victories over Quentin Halys, Dominic Stricker and Tallon Griekspoor. The 33-year-old Bulgarian needed two hours and 25 minutes to beat Griekspoor 2-6, 7-5, 6-4 on Saturday.

Paul may have more left for Sunday's final, plus he'll gain confidence having already won the Stockholm Trophy once (his first ever ATP title in 2021). The 27-year-old also won an indoor title at the ATP 250 event in Dallas this season. All of these factors could give Paul a slight advantage in this case.

Selection: Paul in 3