2015 Player Preview: Grigor Dimitrov

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2015 Player Preview: Grigor Dimitrov

Grigor Dimitrov has had a steady rise up the tennis ladder so far in his career and in 2014 he threatened to break through once and for all and show the world what so many predicted he was capable of. Despite rising to a career high World Number 8 in August and finish the year at 11, it was more of a false dawn for the Bulgarian.

at 23 he could well be the dominant force in the post-Big Four era

When Dimitrov crushed Andy Murray 6-1 7-6 6-2 in the Wimbledon quarter finals this year it seemed like tennis had a new star as the Bulgarian showed form that aligned with the weight of expectation on the youngster since he first stepped on the main tour.

He had chances in the subsequent semi final to further reaffirm the fact the he belonged at the top of the men’s game, but eventually went out to Djokovic in four sets. Everything was working well for Dimitrov and it seemed like the only way was up. In the summer he was being tipped as a future Grand Slam champion and “star of the game” according to Djokovic.

However, success in any walk of life is rarely straightforward, as Dimitrov found in the second half of the season. Increasingly struggling with his footwork, which can be artistic in it’s beauty at it’s best, the World Number 11 struggled for form and confidence. At times it looked like he was playing on ice as stumbled around  even basic shots.

His season ended with a loss to Murray at the Paris Masters, where Dimitrov looked out of sorts. Trialling a new racquet, clearly aware that something needed to change, Dimitrov could barely keep the ball in court. It was a stark contrast to the professional performance his put in against the same opponent in the summer.

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Off the court, Dimitrov oozes charm and will not have to worry about his popularity were he to break through into the elite of men’s tennis. His magnetic personality is also there for all to see during his matches, as he has produced a number of jaw-dropping hot shots in his career so far.

He is an entertainer in a different way to the Big Four, who seems to have an obsession with winning that doesn’t allow them to show the exuberance that Dimitrov does on court. It will be a shame if that is an aspect of his game that Dimitrov has to reign in if he is to break through at the highest level.

Crucially for Dimitrov, he has distanced himself from the ‘Baby Fed’ comparisons that piled pressure on his shoulders in previous years. He has his own enthralling style and could well win majors if everything falls into place. I believe he will have to remain patient for his chance and at 23 he could well be the dominant force in the post-Big Four era.

Ranking Prediction: 11th

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