Grigor Dimitrov relies on a new face in his coaching box in the new season: Xavier Malisse.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edited: December 30, 2025, 2:09 p.m
Grigor Dimitrov is making a fresh start at the age of 34. The former world number three has introduced his new coach after separating from his long-term coach Daniel Vallverdu: From now on, Dimitrov is relying on the support of the Belgian Xavier Malisse, against whom he played a total of three times during his career.
“We have decided on a new agreement. This creates clarity,” confirmed Dimitrov in Brisbane, where he will start the new season in a few days. The injury-prone Bulgarian explained that he had recently made “big changes”. Dimitrov almost completely missed the second half of the 2025 season due to a pectoral muscle injury suffered at Wimbledon.
“It took time to build up the muscles again,” said Dimitrov, reflecting on his “painful summer.” “I couldn’t serve, couldn’t play forehand, all those things. I spent a lot of time in the gym.” The goal is therefore initially to be able to trust your body 100% again.
Dimitrov gives himself time
The world number 44 awaits in Brisbane, where he won the title in 2017 and 2024. therefore no miracles. “My ranking doesn’t really reflect my current play,” said Dimitrov. Nevertheless, he believes that he can “achieve good things” “if I do the right things and stay healthy”.
The preparation for the Australian summer apparently went according to plan for Dimitrov: “I trained non-stop for several weeks, so I hope that what I worked on in training can also be implemented.” However, you never know what to expect at the start of the season.
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