Dimitrov appoints Mouratoglou as coach

 

Originally published on: 07/03/12 10:00

Promising talent Grigor Dimitrov has appointed Patrick Mouratoglou as his new personal coach.

The 20-year-old Bulgarian has trained at the Frenchman’s eponymous academy since March 2009 and had been looking for a new mentor after splitting with Peter Macnamara at the end of the 2011 season. Dimitrov reached a career-high No.52 in the world under Macnamara in August last year but after dropping to No.102 in the world on Monday – having won just one of his four main draw matches this year – the Bulgarian is hoping Mouratoglou can guide him back up the rankings.

“I am excited about this opportunity and grateful for the support I have from the academy,” said Dimitrov. “Now I’m looking forward to take the next step in my tennis together with Patrick and my team.”

Since February 2011, Mouratoglou has worked with compatriot Jeremy Chardy, who Dimitrov defeated in the first round of the Australian Open this year, but is excited about taking a more hands on role with the young Bulgarian. “I am very happy to work with Grigor in a closer way and with the idea of building a long-term project,” said Mouratoglou. “I appreciate the young man, believe in him, and I am very motivated by this collaboration.”

Dimitrov has been singled out for his potential for a while. Until 2010, he worked with Peter Lundgren, coach of former world No.1s Roger Federer and Marat Safin, with the Swede saying soon after their link-up that the 6’2” right-hander is “better than Federer was at his age.”

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