Dimitrov beats Goffin to win the ATP Finals

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Grigor Dimitrov beat David Goffin 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 to win the ATP Finals on Sunday and became the first player since 1998 to win the season-ending tournament in their debut.

Dimitrov, 26, entered the title decider as the sixth seed and unbeaten at London's O2 Arena, with a healthy 4-1 head-to-head record against Goffin, including a 6-0, 6-2 win in the round-robin stage.

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Belgium's David Goffin. /Reuters Photo

The error count was high from both men during the opening set, but Dimitrov was able to secure the decisive break on his fifth set point when the Belgian thumped a forehand into the net.

In the second set, neither player earned a break point until the sixth game, when Goffin took advantage of two double faults from the racket of Dimitrov, smashing a forehand winner past him to seal the break in the next game. Infused with renewed belief, the Belgian held his nerve to clinch the set 6-4.

A tight third set went with serve until the sixth game, when Dimitrov earned a break to lead 4-2, and Goffin went wide with a backhand. Goffin saved three match points on his own serve, but Dimitrov held his nerve to seal the match on his fifth opportunity.

Dimitrov beats Goffin to win ATP Finals. /VCG Photo

Goffin had been enjoying what he called his "best season" so far, beating world number one Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on his way to the title match.

He also claimed his first Masters title in Cincinnati, and won two other titles as well as reached the Australian Open semi-finals. He is guaranteed to finish the season ranked third in the standings.