Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov is confident that a recent shoulder problem will not hinder his chances at the Rotterdam Open.
The world No.4 is set to take on Japan’s Yuichi Sugita in what will be his first test since the Australian Open. Dimitrov recently withdrew from his home competition in Sofia due to his shoulder and underwent tests in Monaco. He revealed that he started to experience shoulder pain during the Melbourne major, where he reached the quarter-finals before losing to Kyle Edmund.
“I played some tough matches in Australia and I got tired,” Dimitrov told reporters last month.
“I had only one week rest after the end of last season… (and) … you just can’t go against your body.”
Providing up update on his fitness, the 26-year-old is back on course to compete on the tour. The Bulgarian is hoping to reproduce the form which took him to a ranking high of third last year. During 2017 Dimitrov won four ATP titles, including the prestigious ATP World Tour Finals.
“It (the shoulder) is definitely getting better. I was able to practice for five, six days. Starting to serve a little faster. I’m almost feeling at hundred percent now.” Dimitrov said on Sunday.
This year will be Dimitrov’s seventh appearing at the Ahoy Rotterdam, venue of the tournament. It is a place of sentimental value for him. He made his debut at the event back in 2009 when he defeated Tomas Berdych in the first round. Securing his first ever main draw win on the ATP Tour at the age of 17. That same year he played Rafael Nadal for the first time, losing in three sets during the second round.
“I got a wildcard. Next thing I was playing prime matches.” He recounts.
“Ever since then, I loved playing Rafa. Even though I’ve lost 8, 9 times against him.”
Despite the sense of nostalgia, Dimitrov is yet to contest a final in Rotterdam. His best run was to the semifinals back in 2013. Last year he was edged out by David Goffin in the quarter-finals.
“I hope so. This is always the goal when you enter a tournament.” He said about ending his Rotterdam title drought.
“This has been a tournament that has played a big part in my career. This is, for sure, a tournament that I would like to win one day and hopefully its this year.”
Dimitrov is the second seed in the draw behind Roger Federer.
