WASHINGTON, January 10, 2024 (by Michael Dickens)
Life is good these days for Grigor Dimitrov. The personable, 32-year-old Bulgarian started the New Year right by winning the Brisbane International presented by Evie on Sunday. It was Dimitrov’s ninth career ATP Tour singles title – his first one since 2017 – and it broke a 112-tournament drought.
“It’s been a while since I held one of these,” Dimitrov said during the trophy ceremony after he defeated World No. 8 and top seed Holger Rune of Denmark, 7-6 (5), 6-4, and lifted the champion’s trophy. It was Dimitrov’s second title triumph in Brisbane following his 2017 success and the first crown he’s won since the 2017 ATP Finals.
Dimitrov’s title run in Queensland included wins against former No. 1 Andy Murray, Daniel Altmaier, Rinky Hijikata, Jordan Thompson and Rune. Thanks to a quick 5-0 start to begin the 2024 season, Dimitrov has moved up to No. 13 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. After losing the opening set to Murray, Dimitrov reeled off 10 consecutive winning sets en route to the garnering the crown. His 23 victories in Brisbane is an all-time tournament record.
Lift it up high, Grigor @Lacoste | #partner pic.twitter.com/jGkSkisXeq
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 7, 2024
During his post-championship news conference, Dimitrov was asked by a reporter to describe his mindset and how it has contributed to his current success.
“I’ve just been trying to be disciplined as much as possible,” he said. “I think a lot of things are linked with, as I said, life, what you’re doing also outside of the court, how you prepare yourself.
“I think after the US Open, I had a little bit of a break. I had to reassess a few things in my life. I felt like I was in a good position physically to really, like, push through a lot of tournaments and matches. All I wanted to do was play as many matches as possible. That is what happened.
“I think it gave me quite a bit of confidence. My body got stronger as well. I sort of like calloused my mind a little bit that I’m staying here, I’m here for the long haul. I kept on playing matches. I had a few very good wins that boost[ed] me up a little bit at the end of the year. Brick by brick things are happening.”
“It’s been a while since I held one of these.”
Come for the @GrigorDimitrov victory, stay for the speech @BrisbaneTennis | #BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/QeG7l8NMF2
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 7, 2024
Since the start of last summer’s US Open, Dimitrov has gone 21-6. He will enter next week’s Australian Open in Melbourne seeded 13th. A year ago, Dimitrov was ranked No. 29 and seeded 27th.
“Of course, a win is a win, a title is a title,” Dimitrov said, “but I think seeing where I am is way more important. I think the past four or five months, the things that I’ve been doing on and off the court, it has been a tremendous way in a way to pay off. I think that’s what happened [Sunday].
“It humbles me in the same time because I feel like I’ve been playing good tennis, and I also feel there’s a little bit more that I can get better at on a few more things. Who knows, if those things go right, what else might be coming my way.
“For now, I’m going to enjoy that, enjoy the moment, enjoy a couple of days, reassess a little bit, and [get] back at it.”
What. It. Means #BrisbaneTennis | @GrigorDimitrov pic.twitter.com/O6xsiwhhCN
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) January 7, 2024
Cincinnati Open: Embracing Its Roots, Looking Toward The Future
The Western & Southern Open, an ATP/WTA combined 1000-series event that is one of the leading US Open tune-ups, is returning to its original name: the Cincinnati Open.
The rebranding of the tournament, founded in 1899, comes on the heels of the announcement by its owner, Beemok Capital, that the longtime event will remain at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio for the next 25 years.
Center Court is getting an upgrade!
Seats? Brand new.
Bleachers? Gone.
Padding? Added.
Experience? Next Level.Read more: https://t.co/igDoZqriiz pic.twitter.com/RLwPPsoB47
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) December 13, 2023
“Returning to Cincinnati Open as the tournament’s name is an opportunity for us to celebrate its rich history at a time when we are also focused on a bold future and taking every possible step to grow and enhance the event,” said Bob Moran, President of Beemok Sports & Entertainment, in a press release.
“This tournament is known for its unparalleled access to the world’s best tennis players, Midwestern hospitality and passionate and loyal fans. The tournament is distinctive in that regard, and we’re proud to call it the Cincinnati Open.”
Tradition runs deep on the courts of Cincinnati, dating back to 1899 when it all began. Entering our 125th year of tennis, the Cincinnati Open is back, stronger than ever.#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/OgaiIAG3mQ
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) January 8, 2024
The future is bright for the Cincinnati Open, which is investing $260 million toward on-site infrastructure improvements, including removal and upgrading of all of the nearly-12,000 seats on Center Court, to be completed by August in time for the 2024 event. Stadium seats will replace bleacher seats and lower bowl seats will have padded bottoms, armrests, cup holders and extra legroom.
Beginning in 2025, there will be an expanded player field and increased number of days.
Ons Jabeur: New apparel deal with Saudi brand Kayanee
As first reported Monday by The National News‘ Reem Abulleil, World No. 6 Ons Jabeur of Tunisia has inked a new sponsorship deal with Saudia Arabia’s PIF-owned fitness and wellness brand Kayanee.
After spending nearly a decade with Lotto Sport Italia, starting with next week’s Australian Open, Jabeur will sport an exclusive tennis apparel line designed for her by Kayanee, “an integrated company established by the PIF last year with the goal of promoting quality of life for women.”
Ons Jabeur has signed a new apparel deal with Saudi Arabian PIF-owned brand Kayanee, who have designed an exclusive tennis line for her. https://t.co/3phNRUSwRM
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) January 8, 2024
“Ons Jabeur is not only a phenomenal athlete but also a symbol of resilience and determination,” said Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, in a statement, quoted in Abulleil’s article.
“We are honored to have her as our global athletic ambassador. This collaboration is not just about fitness; it’s about inspiring young women to pursue their dreams and seek their own place on an international playing field.”
Iga Swiatek: Iga and LEGO … what a great match!
While it’s commonplace for tennis stars to endorse luxury wrist watches, fragrances, sports cars and lifestyle apparel, it’s not every day that a World No. 1 player is seen endorsing toys.
Leave it to the WTA’s top-ranked player, Iga Swiatek, to break the glass ceiling. On Tuesday, she could be seen on social media endorsing LEGO, the iconic and beloved Danish construction toy. Swiatek has been named a LEGO brand ambassador in Poland – and as she posted on social media Tuesday, it means “even more LEGO bricks in my life!”
I’m sure I’ll have much fun continuing to use LEGO bricks in my work in the field of my mental preparation but what’s equally important: that together with LEGO we’ll share with you our passion, creativity and just fun, empowering the next generation to play with LEGO bricks. https://t.co/8tEvmxoOsf
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) January 9, 2024
Passing shots
The ATP 250 indoor hardcourt Dallas Open returns Feb.3-11 with plenty of top American talent.
🇺🇸 Three of the top four Americans in the world highlight this year’s player field, including Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, and Frances Tiafoe. Other American stars committed to play include @chris_eubanks96, @mackiemacster, JJ Wolf and @marcos_giron93.
🎟️ https://t.co/Wzvc6SxHJX pic.twitter.com/tN1BCKUiJd
— Dallas Open (@DALOpenTennis) January 9, 2024
A tale of two Grand Slam cities …
Sunny in Melbourne, snowy in Paris ❄️ pic.twitter.com/xjwApMQncX
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) January 9, 2024
Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic and Germany’s Laura Siegemund are among two of the best women’s doubles players. They will be among the top seeds at the Australian Open.
New year, new pairing
In their first match as a team, top seeds @BKrejcikova & @laurasiegemund defeat Bucsa/Eikeri 6-4, 7-6(5) to advance in Adelaide.#AdelaideTennis pic.twitter.com/annNKJXSnB
— wta (@WTA) January 9, 2024
Australia’s Alex de Minaur has cracked the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings for a career-best No. 10.
Congratulations Alex @pepperstonefx | #ATPRankings | #partner pic.twitter.com/XhzZX9xoRk
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 8, 2024
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will be the men’s top seed at the Australian Open in pursuit of an 11 singles title in Melbourne.
Return of the king Welcome back to our 10x champion! @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/9KagVg9R4t
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 9, 2024
Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei, who has won six Grand Slam doubles titles (two French Open and four Wimbledon) will focus exclusively on playing doubles.
Hsieh Su-wei still dazzling in the final singles tournament of her career. #AusOpen https://t.co/LbGh8JuHZ0
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 9, 2024
The second season of the Netflix tennis series Break Point debuts today.
We are back
Break Point: Season 2 comes to @netflix on 10 January pic.twitter.com/NGqK2YWeJv
— wta (@WTA) December 28, 2023
By the numbers
At age 35, France’s Adrian Mannarino has broken into the Top 20 for the first time, rising from No. 22 to No. 20 on the new Pepperstone ATP Rankings. He’s also the new French No. 1. Mannarino, who won three ATP Tour singles titles last season – Newport, Astana and Sofia – has 25 career wins over Top 20 players.
“Quotable …”
“I want to get back to that level as soon as possible. I know it’s going to be tough at the beginning. It’s been a lot of months that I didn’t play. … I always wanted to win a Slam. It’s one of my dreams, and it will always be until the day I retire.”
— Former World No. 2 Paula Badosa, 26, of Spain, who returned to the WTA Tour this week in Adelaide after missing much of the second half of the 2023 season after suffering a stress fracture. Now injury free, she spoke to reporters before the start of this week’s WTA 500 Adelaide International. Badosa, who received a wild card into the main draw, lost her first-round match to American lucky loser Bernarda Pera, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.
