Grigor Dimitrov is feeling optimistic ahead of the new season after his opening round win in Brisbane.
It was a frustrating season for Dimitrov who had struggled to build momentum in the first half of the year.
Then Dimitrov was on the brink of defeating eventual champion Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon before suffering a pectoral injury which saw him most of the rest of the season.
After making his comeback at the Rolex Paris Masters towards the end of the year, Dimitrov was victorious in his second match since coming back from injury.
A 6-3 6-2 victory over Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta saw him reach the second round in Brisbane as the former champion aims for more success in Australia.
After the match Dimitrov hailed the ‘special’ occasion as he aims for more consistent fitness in 2026, “It is so good to see you guys,” Dimitrov said to the Brisbane crowd.
“Starting the year here is always so special for me. I am just grateful. These months have been very difficult in terms of preparation, mentality. My body had so much to go through, but just to be able to compete again today, it is already a success and of course winning is just an added bonus right now.
“I am feeling good, I was feeling well on the court, so let’s see how we go.”
Next up for Dimitrov will be rising star Belgian Raphael Collignon who knocked out Denis Shapovalov in the opening round.
There was also a gutsy first round win for seventh seed Cameron Norrie who edged past Ugo Humbert 1-6 7-6(6) 7-5 while Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard knocked out fourth seed Tommy Paul 7-6(2) 3-6 7-6(6).
Mpetshi Perricard was a former semi-finalist last year and will now face Rinky Hijikata in the second round.
