"I feel confident, to be the last man standing is always a great thing"
Monday 20 November 2017 18:39, UK
Grigor Dimitrov believes he is finally fulfilling his potential after winning the season-ending ATP Finals.
The 26-year-old Bulgarian became the first debutant to win the tournament when he defeated David Goffin 7-5 6-4 6-3 in Sunday's final at London's O2 and he believes it is a springboard to future success.
Dimitrov told Sky Sports News: "I've put myself in very good positions before, semis, finals of big tournaments and have just never been able to win.
"This year, in particular, I think I have jumped over that barrier a little bit more, playing a little bit more loose, a little bit more confident so there are a lot of things that are starting to come together.
"I don't feel like there are many other things that I've changed, it is just the constant work that I have been putting in and the results are here right now."
It all means that Dimitrov, who finished the season as the world No 3, will be a marked man at the Australian Open in January but he is unfazed by the prospect.
"Yeah, absolutely, I know I am going to be on the radar there," he added. "That is something that actually excites me and that is what I play tennis for, just to compete.
"I feel confident, to be the last man standing is always a great thing."
Dimitrov is in no doubt that he has benefited from spending time with Rafael Nadal this year.
He went on: "To be around a legend like him is unbelievable. I really appreciate the gesture. It was great when I went out there.
"We spent quite a bit of time on the court but also we had time to spend off the court. We went on his boat, we chatted a bit, we jumped in the water.
"It was very natural and I think that's something we don't see nowadays considering how competitive the sport is."
The season-ending extravaganza ATP Finals at London's O2 ends another memorable year which we have covered on www.skysports.com/tennis with live blogs, reports and expert analysis. See you in 2018 when we return for the Australian Open.
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