Grigor Dimitrov showcased his top form at the Brisbane International on January 3, 2025, where he defeated Australian Jordan Thompson, securing victory with the score of 6-1, 2-1. Dimitrov, ranked No. 10 globally, displayed his dominance throughout the match before Thompson was forced to retire due to foot pain, raising concerns for his fitness as he approaches the Australian Open.
This victory marks the second consecutive year Dimitrov has halted Thompson's run in Brisbane, highlighting his competitive prowess on Pat Rafter Arena. The match began with Thompson struggling to keep pace with Dimitrov, who was clearly the more dominant player. After initially receiving treatment for his injury, Thompson, ranked No. 26, could not continue, much to the disappointment of the home crowd.
Dimitrov, reminiscent of their previous encounters, reflected on the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Thompson's retirement. "It’s super unfortunate obviously, Jordan is such a great guy," he stated. His empathy for the Australian's situation was evident, particularly as Thompson was vying for his first seeding at the upcoming Australian Open.
Thompson's performance at the Brisbane International had been commendable prior to this match. He began the tournament strong with victories against Matteo Berrettini and Alex Michelsen, displaying the fighting spirit he is known for. Unfortunately, the injury now casts doubts on his ability to compete effectively at the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.
Reflecting on the match, Dimitrov remarked, "From the beginning I felt like I was in control ... all those things, they're giving me a lot of confidence." His victory sets him up for a semi-final clash against Jiri Lehecka, who presents another challenge as Dimitrov aims to build momentum heading to Melbourne.
The history between Dimitrov and Thompson has seen pivotal moments, especially when Thompson made headlines nearly a year ago by defeating tennis legend Rafael Nadal during the same tournament. That victory propelled his 2024 season, during which he claimed his first ATP title and reached No. 26 globally.
Dimitrov, on the other hand, experienced his own resurgence, having not won any major titles since 2017 until he captured the Brisbane International trophy last year. This win helped him return to the top 10 for the first time since November 2018. Dimitrov sees potential for Thompson to continue progressing, saying, "Jordan, from what I’ve seen, has been winning quite a few matches, and I think he’s one of the toughest competitors."
It's clear Dimitrov holds Thompson's capabilities in high regard, citing, "He’s always fit, he always plays well, he’s very aggressive, and I think he’s even more aggressive than before." The mutual respect reflects the camaraderie and competitive spirit shared between the two athletes.
Looking forward, Dimitrov has his eyes set on claiming his first Grand Slam title as he gears up for yet another Australian Open. With semi-final appearances at various Grand Slam events under his belt, Dimitrov feels ready to compete at the highest level. "I’m using this week as a reference almost to see where I’m at ... I definitely want to compete against the best players in the world, and that's my goal," he stated.
His comments suggest he is not just content with current achievements but is striving for greatness as he evaluates his performance and adjusts his training regimen to maximize results. Dimitrov maintains optimism for his upcoming matches, saying, "I always like my chances whoever I play, but I’m not losing sight of what I have to do. I still believe I can get even more improved."
Both players are now at pivotal moments as they prepare for the Australian Open. With Thompson's future competitiveness contingent on resolving his injury issues, Dimitrov is poised to continue his strategic and focused approach as he aims for Grand Slam glory.