Australian Open 2022: Grigor Dimitrov has first practice session at Rod Laver Arena
Grigor Dimitrov's Australian Open preparations are already underway. The Bulgarian, who recently arrived in Melbourne, posted a video of himself training at the Rod Laver Arena.
Dimitrov said he was very happy to be back in Australia and the beautiful city of Melbourne.
"Hey guys. it's Grigor out here. So happy to be back in Australia. Beautiful Melbourne, beautiful Rod Laver Arena. First hit, here we go."
👋 @GrigorDimitrov
Welcome back to the #AusOpen, welcome back to @RodLaverArena 💙
#AOActive • #Practice https://t.co/hcVNkxffFa
Dimitrov is set to participate at the Melbourne Summer Set, an ATP 250 event, followed by the Australian Open. The season's opening Grand Slam has been a happy hunting ground for him and is his most successful Major.
Grigor Dimitrov's history at the Australian Open
Grigor Dimitrov's record at the Australian Open stands at 28-11. He reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal in Melbourne in 2014. He lost to Rafael Nadal in four competitive sets, 3-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(7), 6-2.
In 2017, the Bulgarian reached his first semifinal at the Australian Open. Facing Nadal once again, Dimitrov put up a tremendous fight but came up short in five sets. He lost the match 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 6-4.
In 2018, Dimitrov made the quarterfinals and was the favorite to reach the semifinals. However, he lost to Kyle Edmund 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Dimitrov made the last eight of the tournament once again in 2021. This time he lost 6-2, 4-6, 1-6, 2-6 to Aslan Karatsev. Unfortunately he was hampered by back spasms during the match which prevented him from playing at his best.
The Bulgarian's physical woes continued after the Australian Open and he suffered a number of early exits. However, he rediscovered his best form towards the end of the season and reached the semifinals of an ATP 250 event in San Diego.
Dimitrov followed it up with another semifinal appearance at Indian Wells and concluded his season with a third-round showing at the Paris Masters.
The Bulgarian will be eager to carry his momentum into 2022 and perform well at one of his favorite Slams.
Also Check Out: Updated Tennis Schedule 2022