Tennis

Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, has found his sanctuary in Vienna, where he has consistently participated in the Erste Bank Open for the past seven years. The city's charm, with its pristine air, aromatic coffee, and captivating architecture, provides Dimitrov with the ideal environment to recharge and perform at his best."Vienna is a fantastic city with a rich history," Dimitrov said in an exclusive interview with TENNIS.com. "I enjoy exploring the streets and immersing myself in the local culture. The tournament organizers have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, creating a home-like atmosphere."Dimitrov's quest for a fourth Erste Bank Open title began with a hard-fought victory over Zhang Zhizhen. He will next face Tomas Machac, Zhang's doubles partner in Vienna. After a groin injury hampered his US Open campaign, Dimitrov has gradually regained his form, reaching the semifinals in Stockholm."It's been a challenging year, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to compete at this level," Dimitrov said. "The competition is fierce, and everyone is playing well."Dimitrov emphasizes the importance of self-care in maintaining his physical and mental well-being. He starts his day with breathing exercises, movement, and a cup of coffee. He also values spending time with family and connecting with nature."Finding your own balance is crucial," Dimitrov advised. "And one thing I highly recommend is putting away your phone in the morning. It helps clear your mind and focus on the present."Dimitrov's dedication to self-care has paid dividends. He is currently ranked 10th in the ATP Race to Turin, putting him in contention for a spot at the Nitto ATP Finals. His last appearance at the prestigious event was in 2017, where he claimed the biggest title of his career.As the 2024 season approaches, Dimitrov is poised to make a strong case for ATP Comeback Player of the Year. His consistent performances and unwavering determination have kept him in the hunt for major titles and a return to the pinnacle of the sport.

The tennis world is transitioning from the Asian swing to the season-ending championships, with three prestigious 500s taking center stage this week.Erste Bank Open (ATP)Alexander Zverev, the top seed in Vienna, is not the player with the most at stake. The ATP's No. 3 has already secured a spot in the season-ending championships in Turin. However, several players are vying for the remaining five spots, including Alex de Minaur, Tommy Paul, Grigor Dimitrov, Frances Tiafoe, Lorenzo Musetti, and Jack Draper.The tournament will also mark the end of Dominic Thiem's career. The 31-year-old Austrian will play in front of his home-country fans for the last time.Swiss Indoors Basel (ATP)Unlike in Vienna, no player in Basel has secured a spot in the ATP Finals. Top seeds Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev are currently seventh and eighth in the race to Turin, while Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune are 12th and 15th, respectively.Two-time defending champion Felix Auger Aliassime is also in the field and could face Ruud in the third round.Toray Pan Pacific Open (WTA)The Pan Pacific Open has been a WTA institution since 1973. This year, Zheng Qinwen is the top seed, but the tournament took a hit when Naomi Osaka withdrew with a back injury.The WTA's race to Riyadh has already been run, so Tokyo will be tennis for its own sake. Beatriz Haddad Maia, Daria Kasatkina, Anna Kalinskaya, and Paula Badosa are among the other seeds.Guangzhou Open (WTA)Rounding out the week is the Guangzhou Open, a late entrant in the Asian swing. The top two seeds are Czech mates Katerina Siniakova and Marie Bouzkova.