Focused Dimitrov battles past Raonic

A rejuvenated Grigor Dimitrov has sent defending champion Milos Raonic crashing out of the Brisbane International.

The world No.17 appears ready to make a name for himself in 2017 and booked a final showdown with Japan’s Kei Nishikori on Sunday after stunning big serving top seed Raonic in straight sets at the Pat Rafter Arena.

The 25-year-old conjured up some magical passing shot to steal the opening tie-break before accelerating to a standout victory 7-6 (9-7) 6-2 win in just under 90 minutes.

He now has Nishikori in his sights after the world No.5 upset out of sorts US Open champion Stan Wawrinka 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 in their semi-final

Third seed Nishikori has the edge over the Bulgarian, with a 3-0 head to head record.

Former world No.8 Dimitrov’s ranking fell to 40 just six months ago, but he dug deep to break back into the top 20 in late 2016 and has again impressed in Brisbane.

“It’s always good to start the year like this,” Dimitrov said. “I’m really focused on the first six months of the year.

“If you keep winning and keep improving, everything comes with it.

“When you have a good start like that, you just have to appreciate it and just get on with it.”

Raonic looked like the man to beat after ousting 14-time grand slam winner Rafael Nadal in three sets in Friday night’s quarter-final.

Especially after he held a set point in the opening tiebreaker against Dimitrov. But the Bulgarian saved it and soon converted his own before breaking Raonic’s serve twice in the second set.

Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Dimitrov extended his head to head record over Raonic to 3-1. He also booked his second Brisbane International final appearance after losing the 2013 decider to Andy Murray.

Meanwhile, Rio Olympic bronze medallist Nishikori levelled his career head-to-head with second seed Wawrinka at 4-4.

Former US Open runner-up Nishikori has now won three of their last four meetings.

Nishikori has moved through to his first Brisbane tournament decider.

“I think he started playing much better last year especially end of the season,” Nishikori said of Dimitrov.

“I think he’s playing better again. He’s the next top 10 player.”