Bulgarian tennis sensation Grigor Dimitrov has spoken about his high amount confidence for 2016 after experiencing a troublesome year on the tour.
This year the former world No.8 failed to reach a final on the ATP Tour with his best performance being a duo of semifinal appearances in Brisbane and Istanbul. At the Grand Slam events Dimitrov failed to progress to the last eight at all four tournaments, a sharp contrast to 2014 where he reached the quarterfinal at the Australian Open and the semifinal at Wimbledon. The 24-year-old has also experienced issues off the court after ending his relationship with Maria Sharapova.
Dimitrov’s below-par year has also been discussed extensively in the media. Recently he was named ‘disappointment of the year’ by Sports Illustrated. According to the magazine “expectation is continuing to trounce achievement” in regards to the 24-year-old.
After enduring a difficult year on the tour, the Bulgarian has spoken about the positive things he has learned from the experience during an interview with Fox Sports Australia.
“I’ve experienced both worlds now — it’s been a great contrast being No.8 and then I’m 28.” Dimitrov said.
Next year Dimitrov have confirmed that he will continue working with Juan Martin Del Potro’s former coach Franco Davin as well as Swedish coach Johan Ortegren. The work with the two coaches are starting to pay off for the world No.28 who has rediscovered his passion for the sport. During the off-season Dimitrov attended two training camps to help him prepare for his first tournament of 2016, the Brisbane International. At the 2013 edition of the tournament Dimitrov reached his first ever ATP Final before losing to Andy Murray. Speaking about his off-season preparations, Dimitrov has said that has the ‘spark’ back in his game.
“That was to try to get maximum preparation for the Australian swing,’’ he said.
“It’s good to finally feel alive again a little bit, I feel like I’ve got the spark again and I’m feeling motivated”.
The Brisbane International will get underway next Monday. At 28th in the world, Dimitrov will be unseeded at the event.
