Is Grigor Dimitrov A Threat At The Australian Open?

After defeating Marton Fucsovics in the first round, Grigor Dimitrov should be considered a threat at this year’s Australian Open.

Many are thinking it but not many are saying it out loud. That’s understandable as it’s been three years since Dimitrov made it to the quarterfinals of a Major. We’re here to start discussing it out loud. Here’s why Dimitrov is a dark horse this fortnight.

Is Grigor Dimitrov A Threat At The Australian Open?

Recent Form

Dimitrov’s form is inarguable. From a bit of a dry spell, Dimitrov has now went the past five months achieving the following:

• Five top 10 wins over Alcaraz, Medvedev, Rune x 2 and Tsitsipas.
• Paris Masters final and Shanghai Masters semifinal.
• First title in over six years in Brisbane.

The Bulgarian has played with clarity and assuredness to get these results. What’s changed?

Coaching Team

Having Dani Vallverdu back on his team has made a huge difference for Dimitrov.

The former world #3 was often prone to being too flashy. Vallverdu has stripped things right back, giving Dimitrov a much simpler game plan: attack with the serve and forehand and use the backhand slice much more.

Put simply—attack when you can and be consistent when you can’t attack.

Dimitrov’s backhand slice has some of the highest backspin rates on the tour. It’s incredibly difficult to attack and can be a headache for most of the men on the tour that aren’t used to playing against it. Relying on this strength rather than going for lower-percentage flashy topspin backhands has made a world of difference to his game.

Sounds simple, right? Well there’s one other factor that’s allowed Dimitrov to do this.

Physicality

Vallverdu’s tactics only work if Dimitrov is comfortable hanging in long physical rallies—the Bulgarian is looking fitter than ever.

Take his first round win. Fucsovics has often been a banana skin for seeded opponents at Slams.