Grigor Dimitrov is looking to take advantage of his unique position in the Australian Open draw in 2018. The Bulgarian is seeded 3rd, the highest he has ever been seeded in a Grand Slam event.
Dimitrov: “When you see those type of opportunities, you need to be able to seize them. It’s no point to say I could have done it or not.
This is in front of you, this is what you have and I always like to work with what I have and this is the moment for me to grab the opportunity. “I have a good amount of confidence. I’ve done those extra miles.”
Dimitrov’s success in 2017 was largely built on reaching his second career Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open, his first Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati, and his ATP Finals win in London at the end of the season. Dimitrov faces the prospect of having to defend 720 ATP points from this event last year.
Reflecting on his defeat to Nick Kyrgios in the Brisbane final, the 2017 champion said: “I thought I had everything under control but then after that first set, everything kind of slipped away from me. He slashed a few shots and got his belief back, I guess, and he started serving unbelievable.
So for me after that I tried to do everything I can to get into the rally but there was pretty much no rallies at all. Of course well deserved for him. That’s a great start to the year for him and he’s definitely a contender now.”
Dimitrov will play qualifiers in each of his first two rounds at the Australian Open (assuming he progresses.)
The Bulgarian is in the same quarter as 8th seed Jack Sock, whom he defeated en route to the ATP Finals title in London. He is in the same half as World No.1 Rafael Nadal, who defeated him in a fantastic semi-final last year.
