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Deadly Dimitrov marches towards dream Federer final

He's arguably the only player with a backhand to rival Roger Federer and now unbeaten Grigor Dimitrov is one win away from a potential ATP Finals date with the Swiss.

Dimitrov spoke of the need to maintain his momentum after easing to victory over Pablo Carreno Busta in his final group match at the ATP Finals in London.

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Dimitrov was already sure of top spot in Group Pete Sampras and a semi-final with Jack Sock, but did not take his foot off the gas against Rafael Nadal's replacement at the season-ending showpiece.

Dimitrov is yet to taste defeat at the ATP Finals. Pic: Getty
Dimitrov is yet to taste defeat at the ATP Finals. Pic: Getty

Carreno Busta never looked likely to trouble the Bulgarian, who eased to a 6-1 6-1 victory after just an hour on court.

Sock now stands between Dimitrov and a place in the final but, with Dominic Thiem the only player to win more than two games against the world number six so far in the tournament, the American will need to produce his best to knock him out.

The other semi-final pits Belgian David Goffin against 19-time grand slam champion Federer.

Goffin pummelled his good friend Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-1 to advance to the semi-finals in London on Friday but admits toppling Federer will be a daunting task.

If both semi-finals go according to form it will mean a dream showdown between Federer and Dimitrov - the man affectionately known as "Baby Federer."

Dimitrov needed just 22 minutes to clinch the first set having raced into a 5-0 lead, wrapping it up as Carreno Busta dumped a return into the net.

Carreno Busta promptly dropped serve in the opening game of the second set and received medical treatment as the one-way traffic continued.

Again the Spaniard was able to avoid a bagel but a remarkable turnaround never looked likely, with Dimitrov's win sealed when Carreno Busta hit a simple forehand into the tramlines.

Speaking on court afterwards, Dimitrov said: "[It was] another good match, it's great when you have feelings like that. I just want to keep the momentum going.

"I'm just pretty relaxed right now. Jack has been playing unbelievable tennis, he's a very dangerous opponent. I'm just going to focus on what I can do and play hopefully the same game."

Sock won the ATP Finals shootout with Alexander Zverev, beating the German in three sets to secure a semi-final berth in their last group match.

The American pulled off a stunning late-season surge to reach the London extravaganza and he has kept up his form with victories over Marin Cilic and Zverev 6-4 1-6 6-4.

With agencies