Grigor Dimitrov has made a scintillating start to his 2021 Australian Open campaign. Dimitrov defeated the 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic in straight sets in the opening round at Melbourne Park. The Bulgarian looked in imperious form, hammering 19 aces and winning 83% points of his first serve during the match.

I believe I can, says Grigor Dimitrov

During the post-match conference, a press reporter asked Dimitrov that the likes of him, Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori, and Marin Cilic have been long considered as the next force in tennis. Hence, the reporter wanted to know whether Dimitrov still believed if all those players had the potential to take over the sport.

The Bulgarian answered by saying that he still considers all the players the reporter mentioned as top players on the tour. Dimitrov asserted that each of those players has the potential to produce quality results on any day, and he never counts them out until the match is over.

“I mean all these players that you just mentioned, for me they still the top of the players. They can absolutely produce at any given day amazing tennis, amazing matches, and amazing wins given the circumstances of course. Sometimes we struggle with outside problems, but I never rule these guys out until they hung the racquets.”  

Dimitrov gave his own example of having reached a career-high ranking of World No.3 in 2017 and still believes he can repeat that feat. Winner of eight ATP titles, Dimitrov has vowed to give his best to replicate his successful performances from the past.

“Same thing for me, I’ve been No.3 in the world. If you ask me if I can come back there, yes, I believe I can. How long will it take me? I don’t know,” added Dimitrov.

Dimitrov’s best Grand Slam performance remains reaching the semifinals of the 2017 Australian Open, 2014 Wimbledon Championships, and 2019 US Open. He will now face Australian Alex Bolt in the second round match at Melbourne Park.