Dimitrov: "I Can't Hide My Smile"

Take a look around The O2 this week and you’d be hard-pressed to find a player more exuberant and wide-eyed than Grigor Dimitrov.

Can you blame him?

After 10 seasons competing as a pro and pursuing his dreams on the ATP World Tour, Dimitrov has compiled his best campaign in 2017. The 26-year-old was rewarded with his first trip to the Nitto ATP Finals in London. In a season filled with new experiences, he admits he is relishing his debut appearance at the season finale.

“I can’t hide my smile,” Dimitrov told the assembled media ahead of the tournament. “I’m pretty pleased to be out here. For sure it’s a dream come true for me. In the past I’ve missed qualifying by one spot. It’s always been a goal of mine to come out here and perform. The arena is pretty special and they take such good care of you here. It’s a great reward. I’m so happy and super humbled.”

It’s the philosophy that every successful player on the ATP World Tour attributes to achieving their goals: hard work and dedication pay off. With the addition of Dani Vallverdu as coach, Dimitrov discovered a change in mentality and discipline both on and off the court. Up to a career-high No. 6 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, this personal growth and maturation has seen the Bulgarian soar in his quest to realise his full potential.

A dominant January and February, which saw Dimitrov post a 16-1 record en route to the Australian Open semi-finals and ATP World Tour 250 crowns in Brisbane and Sofia, was just the start. He would claim his biggest title in August at the Western & Southern Open, lifting his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophy. The triumph in Cincinnati would see him return to the Top 10 for the first time in more than two years, and he would proceed to reach his 13th ATP World Tour final last month in Stockholm (l. to Del Potro).

It’s this enhanced focus and determination that Dimitrov credits for his success, as he looks forward to London and beyond.

“My overall performance the whole year has been pretty good. I have been more consistent, which is the key for me. Also, winning Cincinnati propelled me to do even better and I was fighting throughout every tournament I played. I had good discipline the whole year and ultimately I reached this goal. But I didn’t change anything major. Not too much.

“It’s mid-November and I’m already excited for next year and looking forward to the work during the offseason. It’s a good sign… With the right attitude, the good work ethic, just staying healthy, being as close as possible to your team and following your goals, everything can only get better. One of my most important goals is be better than I was yesterday whenever I get out on the court. Age doesn’t mean anything to me anymore.

Paired with top seed Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and fellow debutant David Goffin in Group Pete Sampras, Dimitrov will look to build on a 44-19 record in 2017.

He opens against Thiem in Monday’s day session, in what will be their third FedEx ATP Head2Head encounter of the year. Dimitrov kicked off the season with a three-set victory over the Austrian in Brisbane, but Thiem reciprocated with a win in a deciding tie-break at the Mutua Madrid Open in May.

“I’ve played a few times against Dominic. He’s one of the best players. To be here, you’ve obviously done something right. I’m looking forward to the match. It’s cool to be here at the end of the year and play your last matches against the top players. I already had my first hit on the court and I think it’s going to be a great match.”