Dimitrov gets emotional in his return: "The simple fact of competing again is already a victory for me"

Carlos Navarro | 6 Jan 2026 | 20.24

Grigor Dimitrov is back... and with a victory. Source: Getty

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Today, there are few men happier on the face of the earth than Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian returned to the circuit after a brief appearance at the Paris Masters, in an ATP Brisbane 2026 that serves as a sort of confirmation: yes, he still has what it takes to compete against the best. At 34 years old, and after experiencing one of the toughest injuries, if not the toughest, of his career, his resounding victory over Pablo Carreño in just over an hour was a relief, an absolute redemption for someone who has not lost the love for this sport.

Dimitrov was all smiles when facing the press: he knew the importance of this match, a game that carried a symbolic weight perhaps unknown to the fans. Not in vain, the Bulgarian has made a 180-degree turn in his career: he recently confessed to having completely changed his physical preparation, starting from scratch and focusing on recovering a tricky area, the pectoral muscle; also, at a tennis level, he had made an important change, parting ways with Jamie Delgado and Dani Vallverdú to start a new phase alongside Xavier Malisse.

"Starting the year here, in Brisbane, has always been very special to me. The path I have traveled in recent months has been challenging, but I am grateful. These months have been very, very difficult in terms of preparation, mentality, and overall care of my body. I have been through a lot. Just the ability to compete again is already a success. Winning is just a bonus. I feel good, I have felt very good on the court, so I want to take it step by step and see where the limit is", proudly stated a Grigor who now awaits Belgian Raphael Collignon in the second round.

Dimitrov has a new approach and mentality after a very complicated injury: however, his motivation remains strong upon his return to the ATP circuit

Being away from the courts for so long has created a new Grigor. Viewing the competition from a different perspective is tough, and it has strengthened the mind of a man who has experienced all kinds of ups and downs throughout his career. This was his confession after his first match of the year, emphasizing humility as a crucial aspect in his return, feeling grateful for every moment he can spend on a tennis court.

"With each year I live, I feel increasingly privileged and more human seeing all the support I receive every time I step onto a tennis court. Every start of the season here has proven to be a good omen for the rest of the season, and I always feel fantastic in Brisbane even when I'm not physically at my best". These are words spoken by a man who has won this tournament twice: in 2017 and 2024... which turned out to be, perhaps, his two best seasons as a professional. Now, with a renewed focus and the peace of mind that his body and mind respect him, the Bulgarian is going for the hat-trick... and we will be here to witness, perhaps, how he makes history.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Dimitrov se emociona en su regreso: "El simple hecho de volver a competir ya es una victoria para mí"

Grigor Dimitrov