Grigor Dimitrov's Enduring Passion Powers His Defence of Brisbane Title in 2025
Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, is back in Brisbane for the 2025 edition of the Brisbane International, where he returns as the defending champion. For Dimitrov, returning to a tournament where he’s had success feels like a homecoming, and the 33-year-old knows the significance of this moment. "You know, I’ve done it once and I’m doing it for the second time," Dimitrov smiled as he prepares to defend his title. This marks the second time he will fight for the coveted Roy Emerson Trophy, a trophy he’s already lifted twice at Pat Rafter Arena, solidifying his place among the tournament's legends.
Dimitrov's remarkable journey in Brisbane is underscored by his consistent presence at the tournament. His 23 match wins in the city are the most by any ATP player, and only Andy Murray shares the honor of being a multiple men's champion in Brisbane. His resilience and passion for the sport shine through as he makes his eighth appearance at the tournament, launching his 15th consecutive season in Australia. "Wow, 15? That’s cool," Dimitrov chuckled when reflecting on the milestone, a testament to his dedication and love for the game.
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This drive stems from a lifelong passion for tennis, one that began at the age of three in his hometown of Haskovo, Bulgaria, under the guidance of his father, Dimitar. Dimitrov’s excitement for the sport is palpable, with his enthusiasm for competition and preparation for tournaments always at the forefront. "I love competing, I love preparing for a tournament. I like that excitement, I like that adrenaline," he explained. His determination and work ethic have earned him nine singles titles, including an impressive run to the semifinals at three Grand Slam events.
Despite a strong 2024 season, Dimitrov has not been without challenges. He admits to some physical setbacks and fluctuations in his performance, yet he remains optimistic. "It was a great season, but despite all that I still felt like there was quite a bit of up and down at some moments," he noted. These hurdles have led him to adjust his training regimen in order to stay at his best, which he hopes will continue into 2025.
The popular Dimitrov was also honored with the 2024 Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award, voted by his fellow players, a recognition of his positive demeanor and sportsmanship on and off the court. "I feel very fortunate," he said of the award, expressing gratitude for the support from his peers. His elegant athleticism and fluid style of play, especially his rare single-handed backhand, make him a fan favorite. Although he acknowledges the evolving nature of the sport, including the decline of the one-handed backhand, Dimitrov remains committed to maintaining his classical style.
As the 2025 Brisbane International gets underway, Dimitrov is focused on building upon the momentum he has gained from previous seasons. “Another year is upon us and another season,” he mused, looking ahead to his first-round match against qualifier Yannick Hoffman. Dimitrov aims to stay positive, keep improving, and continue to impose himself in the new year, hoping that his passion for the game will carry him through another successful season.
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