Making a mark on your debut appearance in a prestigious tournament like the ATP Finals can be a daunting prospect. Some of the greatest stars in the world of tennis have struggled to make much of an impact in such a scenario, indicating the complexity involved. However, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov managed to achieve this unique distinction in the 2017 edition of the ATP Finals. Dimitrov became the first debutant to win the season-ending championship since Àlex Corretja in 1998. The Bulgarian started his campaign against Dominic Thiem who is a proven campaigner, pulling off a comprehensive 6-3, 5-7, 7-5 win. Dimitrov maintained the momentum in his remaining group matches against David Goffin and Pablo Carreno Busta, recording (6-0, 6-2) and (6-1,6-1) wins respectively. The Bulgarian was high on confidence and the same reflected in his semi-final encounter against Jack Sock, as he pulled off a stunning comeback to register a (4-6, 6-0, 6-3) win. Dimitrov faced off against Goffin in the final, who had managed to get the better of Roger Federer in a fine performance. However, the Bulgarian threw caution to the wind, sealing a stunning triumph in a statement of intent.
Dimitrov has won 8 singles career titles, with all of them being ATP singles titles. The Bulgarian is by far the most successful tennis player from his nation, being the only Bulgarian player to be ranked inside the top ten ATP singles. He is further the only player from the nation to win an ATP title in singles and reach a final in doubles. Dimitrov is also the only Bulgarian male player to reach the fourth round or better at a Grand Slam tournament. One of the most salient performances of the tennis star's career was recorded in the 2019 US Open, as he took on Roger Federer in an exciting encounter.
Dimitrov was called 'Baby Federer' at one point in time, due to the similarities in gameplay between the two players. The Bulgarian had lost seven out of eight matches before the quarter-final against the legendary tennis player. He further entered the match with a 1-10 record against players inside the top 10 of the ATP rankings at grand slams. However, none of it mattered on the night as Dimitrov stunned Federer 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, advancing to his first semi-final in Flushing Meadows. The Bulgarian maintained his ground on the baseline while at the same time, ensuring great variety to keep the 20-time major winner from getting into a groove.
One of the most vital aspects of Dimitrov's gameplay is his flexibility and the fact that he's comfortable on all parts of the court. The Bulgarian is virtually unstoppable on his day due to the athleticism, fluid style of play and exceptional shot-making he is capable of. Dimitrov's capabilities are well evident from remarks by new coach Dante Bottini in an exclusive interaction with ATPTour.com.
"I knew his potential, but to tell you the truth he surprised me that it’s even better. He’s unbelievably talented. The things that he can do on the court are unbelievable. I have in mind things I want him to get better with and things I want to work with him on. We’ve shared information with each other and we’ve been doing well so far," he said.
"He makes things that are difficult very easy. It is the shots that he makes and how easy he can process when he does something wrong and how easily he can fix it. I’m not saying it’s just the amazing shots he hits, but how easy he processes the mistakes that he makes to get better. If I ask him to do something, he does it right away instead of practising it for a few days or even weeks before he gets it," added Bottini.
Australian Open: SF (2017)
French Open: 4R (2020)
Wimbledon: SF (2014)
US Open: SF (2019)
