Dimitrov and a fantastic explanation of Nalbandian's signing: "I like his vision of life"

Carlos Navarro | 24 Feb 2026 | 18.49

Dimitrov explained why he has chosen Nalbandian as his new coach. Source: Getty

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Grigor Dimitrov and David Nalbandian. A delightful duo, full of talent and magic on a tennis court. However, we are by no means suggesting that they will team up in a doubles tournament or anything like that: the Argentine's next coaching venture is already beginning at the ATP Acapulco 2026, accompanying someone he crossed paths with in his final years on the circuit and whom he will now guide from the sidelines.

A completely unexpected partnership: Nalbandian's last public appearance was more than a couple of seasons ago when he ended his relationship with Miomir Kecmanovic. Since then, the Unquillo native had never regained his interest in coaching, an idea that seemed remote... until Grigor appeared to persuade and bring him back into the fold. Both are starting their new chapter on Mexican soil, but we didn't have an explanation for this signing... until now.

It was Dimitrov himself who shed light on a partnership that was not long in the making. Their shared history dates back much further: not only did they share a locker room in the twilight of David's career and the beginning of Grigor's, but they even faced each other in the semifinals of the Queen's tournament, with Nalbandian emerging victorious. The very next day, he would be involved in one of the most notorious incidents of this century (that final where he kicked an advertising post, causing a linesman to bleed, resulting in his immediate disqualification).

Dimitrov explains the reasons why he has recruited Nalbandian, also delving into his own tennis career

In fact, Grigor fondly recalls the period he spent with his current coach and mentions that particular encounter, but the reason he has joined forces with Nalbandian goes far beyond what happened a decade ago. "David is a very special guy. I played against him once, and it was always a nightmare for me. I also remember training with him. I like his view on sports and life.

When you're at the stage of your career where I find myself, you start to think about the things that matter to you. Over time, much has changed. The importance of things, one way or another, has changed. I am also more aware that there are many more things beyond tennis. I always say: what we're doing right now is a dream, it's not reality.

One thing David does very well is that he enjoys life every day beyond the sport. He does things for the right reasons, and that earns my utmost respect. As you can see, I'm not even talking about tennis right now. All of that, when you reach the current stage of my career, is more important. When we're on the court, of course, we talk a lot about strategies, shot selection, or game plan: it's good to have someone who's been there, who's done this, who's been through injuries, through everything you can imagine... that gives a lot of confidence to any player."

It seems that Dimitrov is not only looking for someone to help him win: he also seeks to give a deeper meaning to what will be his last years on the circuit, to someone who knows firsthand how to balance fun off the court with competitiveness and work ethic on it. Grigor and David, a union that goes beyond tennis... and they will experience their first chapter this very night.

"Nalbandian is a very special person": Dimitrov praised his new coach. 🙌

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