Grigor Dimitrov says he is a greater model of the participant who rose to world No.3 seven years in the past after breaking a title drought to win his second Brisbane International.
The Bulgarian slid into the Australian Open image with an excellent 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 defeat of top-10 younger gun Holger Rune on Sunday.
It was the 32-year-old’s ninth title however first since a four-win 2017 season that had him on a trajectory in direction of dizzying tennis heights.
But a number of accidents halted that rise, with Dimitrov solely rediscovering his contact late final yr to maneuver again to No.14, and at last changing it to silverware within the first occasion of 2024.
“There’s a lot of emotions on so many different levels for me,” Dimitrov stated.
“Playing against the top players, way younger than me as well, it’s a very good way for me to see where I’m at.
“There’s somewhat bit extra that I can get higher at on a couple of extra issues.
“Who knows, if those things go right, what else might be coming my way?”
Dimitrov’s high quality kind hasn’t resonated with bookies, who’ve him twelfth favorite behind rivals together with 20-year-old Rune and fellow rising stars Ben Shelton and Jannick Sinner.
But the veteran believes he is proved his sport, trademarked by a ripping one-handed backhand, has tailored to counter that generational change.
“I want to say I’m a better player now than I was back then (in 2017),” he stated.
“Because of the style of everybody else, I had to alter mine a little bit, had to find a way to get through those powerful guys differently.
“I’m looking for my means across the courtroom towards type of a distinct technology.
“I’ve gone through quite a few generations over the years, so many different players. All the time I had to adapt.”
Dimitrov’s courtroom protection and counter-attack pissed off world No.8 Rune, who misplaced his mood in a good first set then survived a 17-minute service sport to stage at 2-2 within the second.
The veteran then got here once more to interrupt, earlier than Rune saved a match level with a terrific volley on his serve.
But Dimitrov comfortably sealed the win, a magical backhand drop volley clinching the match to spark an emotional celebration with each his dad and mom courtside.
Dimitrov hit 33 winners and solely 14 unforced errors, with Rune saving eight break factors earlier than Dimitrov lastly cracked his serve to disclaim him a fifth title.
“Congrats to Grigor who played an amazing tournament,” Rune stated.
“I think we have a lot to build on after this week and hopefully we can go one step further in the Australian Open.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
