Few can dispute Grigor Dimitrov’s claim that he is playing the best tennis of his career following his sensational start to 2017.
The Bulgarian has won 16 out of 18 matches played so far this year. At the Brisbane International Dimitrov defeated three top-10 players in the same tournament for the first time in his career as he clinched the title. A couple weeks later he took Rafael Nadal to five sets during an epic semifinal clash at the Australian Open in what was his best ever performance at the Melbourne major.
Dimitrov’s Australian performance continued into Europe as he won the Sofia Open in his native Bulgaria followed by a run to the quarter-finals at the Rotterdam Open. The upsurge in form is one that Dimitrov fans have been waiting for. Since his semifinal appearance at the 2014 Wimbledon Championships, the Bulgarian has endured a roller coaster journey on the ATP Tour, slipping to a low ranking of 40th last year.
“I feel like I’m a better player, a better person, better everything,” said Dimitrov.
Now guided by Daniel Vallverdu, who previously mentored Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych, the 25-year-old is hoping to continue his success on the grass this summer. He will kick-off his grass season at the Aegon Championships, a tournament where he won his first and so far only title on the surface in 2014.
“The grass court season is going to be a big thing for me with Queen’s and then Wimbledon around the corner. I’ve seen the field, it’s going to be very strong again, but I’m excited to see what my form is going to be like.“ He said.
“Every year, coming back to Queen’s brings me great memories to me. I won the tournament a few years ago and I love it. It’s the best way to prepare for Wimbledon, and to perform out there on the grass at Queen’s is a really, really amazing feeling for me.”
Currently ranked 13th in the world, Dimitrov is bidding to re-enter the top-10 for the first time since July 2014. His next test will occur in March at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the first Masters event of the season.
List of top-20 players Grigor Dimitrov has defeated in 2017
Dominic Thiem (Brisbane QF)
Milos Raonic (Brisbane SF)
Kei Nishikori (Brisbane F)
Richard Gasquet (Australian Open R3)
David Goffin (Australian Open QF, Sofia Open F)
