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  • ATP Brisbane: Grigor Dimitrov vs Yannick Hanfmann; Preview, Head-To-Head, and Prediction

    ATP Brisbane: Grigor Dimitrov vs Yannick Hanfmann; Preview, Head-To-Head, and Prediction


    “I think I’m in a good place, but there’s still more to want from myself and for my career,” Grigor Dimitrov said as he ended his 2024 campaign on a high. The Bulgarian star had a stellar last season, as he put on impressive performances tournament after tournament. However, the new season presents new challenges and Dimitrov will have to be ready for it if he has to maintain the momentum from the last season. The 33-year-old begins his campaign at Brisbane International against Yannick Hanfmann.

    Both Dimitrov and Hanfmann have been around the tour for quite some time now and know what it takes to excel at the highest level. Thus, fans can expect a crackerjack of a contest when they face each other in Brisbane.

    Grigor Dimitrov vs Yannick Hanfmann: Preview

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    Both Dimitrov and Hanfmann have had a contrasting 2024 season. The Bulgarian star has played consistently throughout the season and hardly put a foot wrong. He is the defending champion in Brisbane, having won the title this year. Additionally, he also reached the finals of three other ATP events, including the Miami Masters. Further, in the Grand Slams, Dimitrov had a couple of quarterfinal finishes in the French Open and the US Open. The 33-year-old would be riding high with confidence.

    via Reuters

    On the other hand, Hanfmann had a forgettable 2024 season. He failed to perform consistently this year and had early exits from the tournaments. Apart from a couple of semifinal finishes, the German star didn’t have any inspiring results in 2024. He will look for redemption when he begins his new campaign against Dimitrov tomorrow.

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    Dimitrov vs. Hanfmann: Head-to-head

    The two veterans have been around the ATP circuit for a long time now, making their professional debuts years ago. However, they have played each other just once before on the ATP Tour. Interestingly, that match came earlier this year at the Miami Open. In the third-round battle there, Dimitrov lost just one game before defeating Hanfmann. The Bulgarian star would be a hot favorite again going into the first-round clash in Brisbane.

    Prediction: Dimitrov to have it easy against Hanfmann

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    Assessing the players’ chances, there is hardly anything going against Dimitrov. He is ranked 10th in the ATP rankings while Hanfmann is just inside the top 100 at the 96th spot. Furthermore, Dimitrov had an impressive win percentage in 2024, winning 46 matches while losing just 18. On the other hand, Hanfmann won just 20 of the 41 matches that he played in 2024.

    Subsequently, Dimitrov also has a winning history against Hanfmann, which should give him an upper hand in this match. Dimitrov is expected to win this match in straight sets tomorrow. It’ll be interesting to see if Hanfmann can turn the tide against a rampant Dimitrov in Brisbane. But the Bulgarian is the firm favorite.



    ATP Brisbane: Grigor Dimitrov vs Yannick Hanfmann; Preview, Head-To-Head, and Prediction

    In the first round of the ATP Brisbane tournament, former world number three Grigor Dimitrov will take on German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann.

    Dimitrov, a talented and versatile player, has struggled with consistency in recent years but has shown flashes of his top form. With a strong serve and powerful groundstrokes, the Bulgarian will be looking to start his season on a high note with a win over Hanfmann.

    On the other hand, Hanfmann, ranked 123rd in the world, has been making strides on the tour and will be eager to cause an upset against the higher-ranked Dimitrov. The German has a solid all-around game and will look to push Dimitrov to his limits.

    In their head-to-head matchups, Dimitrov holds a 2-0 advantage over Hanfmann, with their last meeting coming in 2018. However, Hanfmann has been improving since then and will be looking to level the playing field in this match.

    Prediction: While Hanfmann has been playing well, Dimitrov’s experience and skill level should give him the edge in this match. Expect a competitive battle, but ultimately Dimitrov should come out on top in straight sets.

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    2. Grigor Dimitrov
    3. Yannick Hanfmann
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    6. Match prediction
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    8. Dimitrov vs Hanfmann
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  • Grigor Dimitrov: Enduring passion driving Brisbane defence

    Grigor Dimitrov: Enduring passion driving Brisbane defence


    It’s a special feeling to return to a tournament as defending champion – as Grigor Dimitrov, who has twice lifted the Roy Emerson Trophy at Pat Rafter Arena, well knows.

    “You know, I’ve done it once and I’m doing it for the second time,” he smiled as he prepared to launch the defence of his Brisbane 2024 title. “I think it’s wonderful. Honestly, it’s wonderful. I think every time I step out here it just feels like I’ve been here yesterday.”

    That familiarity is another happy feeling for the 33-year-old, whose 23 match wins are the most that any ATP player has amassed in the city. Also saluting at Brisbane in 2017, Dimitrov joins Andy Murray as the tournament’s only multiple men’s champions.

    It underlines the longevity that has become another defining feature of Dimitrov’s career. While making an eighth appearance at the Brisbane International, he is launching a 15th consecutive season in Australia. “Wow, 15? That’s cool,” he smiled when informed of the lofty number.

    Endurance is helped in part by Dimitrov’s ongoing passion for the sport, which he first took up with his coaching father, Dimitar, in his Bulgarian hometown of Haskovo as a three-year-old.  “I love competing, I love preparing for a tournament. I like that excitement, I like that adrenaline,” he explained.

    Armed with that positive approach and a notable work ethic, Dimitrov has won nine singles titles and been a semifinalist at three of the four Grand Slams. He maintained a top-10 ranking in 2024 after contesting the Marseille, Miami, and Stockholm finals and reaching the Roland Garros and US Open quarterfinals.

    “It was a great season but despite all that I still felt like was quite a bit of up and down at some moments,” said Dimitrov, with some niggling physical issues requiring some tweaks to his training schedule.

    “I really had to find a different way to work through, I would say throughout the whole year, and especially in the off-season as well.

    “I still feel I’m in that process of figuring some things out. But again, other than that I’m very, honestly I’m very grateful that I was able to produce some great tennis.”

    > READ MORE: Day 2 preview – Dimitrov begins title defence

    Dimitrov, the No.2 seed in Brisbane this year, does so with the support of many fans and tourmates. The popular competitor was selected by fellow players as the winner of the 2024 Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award.  “I feel very fortunate,” said a grateful Dimitrov. “I’ll make sure I keep on going and to keep striving to be the best.”

    That’s delightful news for the scores of fans who appreciate the Bulgarian’s elegant athleticism and fluent tennis, incorporating an increasingly rare single-handed backhand.

    “It’s going to become rarer and rarer,” he conceded of his trademark stroke. “Of course it saddens me, I’m not going to lie … but you know, the game evolves. So does life in so many different ways.”

    For now, however, Dimitrov seems likely to keep his classical style firmly in the spotlight as he focuses on maintaining the form that has delivered many rewards in Brisbane.

    “Another year is upon us and another season,” he reasoned ahead of his first-round Brisbane meeting with qualifier Yannick Hoffman.

    “I’m going to try to remain positive and try to impose myself even more for next year.”

    > BUY NOW: Tickets for Brisbane International 2025





    Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, is set to defend his Brisbane International title with an enduring passion for the sport driving his efforts on the court. Dimitrov, who claimed his first ATP title at the Brisbane International last year, is eager to prove himself once again as he kicks off the new season.

    Known for his elegant playing style and powerful shots, Dimitrov has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world. His dedication to the sport and relentless work ethic have fueled his success on the court, and he is determined to continue his winning ways in Brisbane.

    Despite facing tough competition from other top players, Dimitrov remains focused and determined to come out on top. His passion for the game is evident in every match he plays, and fans can expect to see him give it his all as he defends his title in Brisbane.

    As Dimitrov takes to the court in Brisbane, his enduring passion for tennis will drive him to give his best and fight for victory. With his skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport, there is no doubt that he will put up a strong defence of his title and leave a lasting impression on fans and opponents alike.

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    Grigor Dimitrov, Brisbane defence, tennis, passion, athlete, sports, Australian Open, ATP, champion, competition, victory, motivation, dedication

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