London’s calling for Dimitrov

GRIGOR DIMITROV wants London to define his season, starting with the title at Queen’s Club and culminating in a place at the ATP World Tour Finals, writes Matt Majendie.

The player labelled “Baby Fed” had a scintillating start to the season, winning two of his opening three tournaments, as well as reaching the Australian Open semi-finals, where he lost a five-set epic to Rafa Nadal. But after reaching only his second quarter-final since February, the 26-year-old Bulgarian is confident of shining in the capital.

Dimitrov (pictured), who faces Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in his Queen’s quarter-final today, said:

“My goal is try to get to London [and the ATP World Tour Finals]. Quite a few times I’ve just missed it by a spot or two. I think I’m improving, which is the point. I’m very excited about not only the grass-court season but the summer ahead. I feel it’s going to be great.”

Dimitrov has blown hot and cold in his career but is hopeful of emulating 2014, when he won Queen’s before reaching the semi-finals at SW19.

Having seen Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic experience difficulties and Rafa

Nadal forego Queen’s, Dimitrov knows victory on Sunday would make him a marked man for the third Grand Slam of the year: “Let’s say, you win here again, you’re a good contender for Wimbledon.”

The No6 seed lost the first set of his last 16 tie against Julien Benneteau but came through to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.