Although he is one of the biggest young talents in men's tennis, so far Grigor Dimitrov has failed to deliver on the big stages. It all changed at this year's Australian Open where the Bulgarian took his chance and advanced to his maiden major quarterfinal.
The signs were there. Last season, Grigor stunned world No.1, Novak Djokovic, in Madrid, plus he won his first ATP title in Stockholm defeating the ever-dangerous Spaniard, David Ferrer.
In Melbourne, Dimitrov unleashed his potential to obtain his biggest career achievement. He came through a tricky path, beating American Bradley Klahn and Yen-Hsu Lu from Taipei to set a mouthwatering clash with fellow young gun, Canadian Milos Raonic. The stakes were high as these two are considered the outstanding players of their generation. While Raonic relies on a powerful serve and whipping forehand, Dimitrov's game is a bit more complex and his shot selection is wider. Although I feel the latter is more gifted, it was the Canadian who tasted success first. Milos, a multiple winner on the ATP tour, broke into the top 10 last summer following his dream run to the final of the Masters 1000 in Montreal. However, he, just like Dimitrov, was still searching for his Grand Slam breakthrough. The match was intense, but the Bulgarian hold his nerve to close out a tense fourth set tiebreak to win 6-3,3-6,6-4,7-6.
Disputing his first fourth round at a Slam, Grigor took advantage of an open draw, defeating Spanish sensation, Roberto Bautista Agut, who stunned Argentinean Juan Martin del Potro in the second round. It was again a difficult encounter, but Dimitrov controlled the proceedings, winning 6-3,3-6,6-2,6-4. Next up for him is a clash with world No. 1, Rafael Nadal. Go Dimitrov!
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