Wake up, Dimitrov!!!

The Bulgarian has only won two matches this season; his good record in Monte Carlo could help him find his smile again, but he has a tough first round.

Quarterfinal last year for Dimitrov, but when you think about it, it’s not that crazy: wins over Jarry, Vacherot (before he really heated up), and Tabilo before getting spanked by ADM, meh. Last year he also came in good form, he’d played well in Indian Wells and Miami and seemed physically sharp. This time it’s the complete opposite: no wins and a body that’s still worrying, it looks like he doesn’t have the engine anymore, or at least he’s struggling to last. I’m extremely worried for him on clay where he’ll have to grind for every point, and even more so against a player like Etcheverry who doesn’t give away a single point.

I don’t find the Argentine incredible this year but he’s just way too mentally solid to lose to just anyone. He holds up well with his serve/forehand and he’s physically reliable, he loses almost no matches when he’s the favorite, it’s extremely rare, and his losses are against players who are 90% better than Dimitrov this year. He’s coming from Houston, some people are worried about that, but he’s had several days to acclimate and, above all, he did the Golden Swing — we’re not talking about a guy turning up with just one match on clay who still has to find his bearings.

He has the advantage over the long haul, but Dimitrov will have the crowd behind him and can play a big match while he’s still fresh in a first round...