Grigor Dimitrov started off his Monte Carlo campaign with a hard fought, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Fernando Verdasco. He got off to a flier in the first set getting an early break to lead 2-1, and this break of serve was all he needed to win the set, only dropping five points on serve and appearing to relish the return of the clay beneath his feet. Serving continued to dominate in the second set for both men until Dimitrov showed his lack of confidence when serving to stay in the second. He was embroiled in a 20-point long service game which Verdasco claimed with delight, and just like that Grigor was once again embroiled in a battle he would have rather have avoided. Dimitrov has struggled during pressure moments at times this year, but in the 3rd managed to power to a double break lead and then staved off seven break points in the final game of the match before clinching it on his very first match point. It was a well fought and a much needed win for Dimitrov, but he was still far from convincing.
The win was Dimitrov's biggest of the year, against the at times, mercurial, but certainly talented Verdasco. It was Dimitrov's 10th win, during a year that has left him frustrated as his progress is halting while his rivals are pushing forward. Dimitrov has failed to record successive victories since the Australian Open in January and, in and amongst that, has struggled for form; including a 3rd set bagel defeat to American Ryan Harrison. His ranking has dropped, and he now sits just outside the world's top ten, while watching as a frustrated spectator of the rise of rivals Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic. So is it now all doom and gloom for the once emerging star that was touted to lead the charge of dethroning the world's elite? A lot will be answered if he can overcome a stern test in the form of the immensely talented clay courter Fabio Fognini, who defeated Jerzy Janowicz 6-3, 6-1 in an impressive first round.
So what does all of this mean for Dimitrov? If his immediate target is to climb back into the top 10, the start of the clay season may see the turn of Dimitrov's fortunes. He has semifinal points to defend in Rome but made no other notable strides during the clay swing in 2014 having crashed out of Roland Garros in the first round. This leaves huge potential for gain in ranking points and momentum over the coming months, all of this on what this author considers to be Dimitrov's strongest surface. One of his biggest issues has been his return of serve since his dip in form. This is often due to his long flowing swings being rushed. On the clay he is able to stand further back, giving himself more time to take a full swing from the return and get himself into the point. He can then defend much better, covering the court with his tall but speedy frame and makes fantastic use of the slide.
The topic when it comes to Dimitrov is not usually whether he can regain his place in the top ten, the conversation is more likely to be full of grand questions about winning majors and competing with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. His recent form would suggest such aspirations are ludicrous, struggling to win strings of matches and being crushed 6-2, 6-2 by Federer at the start of the year. He has yet to achieve a final spot in a Masters 1000 event but did reach the semifinals in Rome in 2014, then building on this and reaching semis at Wimbledon in 2014.
This article has discussed the negatives Dimitrov has been facing and has probably dished out far too much criticism, however it reaches back to the initial question; can Dimitrov rise past the plateau he is experiencing? This author's answer is yes, and he can begin to start silencing his critics during this clay swing. He relies on confidence and once he is able to record a couple of notable victories, like that against Verdasco today, he will be a different animal once more. The shoulders will drop, the strut shall return, and we will see Dimitrov recording more than a couple of top 10 victories on the clay this year.
So we come to a crucial juncture for Dimitrov, beginning with Fabio Fognini, then potentially Stan Wawrinka and beyond. Conclusion? While he may be out of favour, the beauty and flavour he brings to a tennis court is what others can only dream of. Clay season, watch out for Grigor.