Dimitrov: At this stage of my career, I only want to focus on myself.

On Thursday local time, the 34-year-old Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov battled for three sets on the center court of the Indian Wells Masters, defeating Atmana 6-4/5-7/6-4, avenging his first-round loss in Acapulco eight days earlier.

Dimitrov reference photo.

During last year's Wimbledon match against Sinner, Dimitrov won the first two sets and was close to victory, but unexpectedly injured himself and had to withdraw. Since then, in the five tournaments he participated in, Dimitrov only achieved a record of 2 wins and 4 losses, and before this event started, he had already suffered four consecutive defeats on the tour.

In this match, Dimitrov shook off the slump from a week ago and started smoothly in the first set; in the second set, at 5-5, he held seven break points but failed to convert any; however, he ultimately held his nerve and secured the victory in three sets. "I started very well, but it's difficult to maintain a consistent level throughout. I knew I would get my chance sooner or later, so I firmly held onto those crucial moments. The match could have gone either way, but I stayed very strong on the most important points," Dimitrov said after the match.

Dimitrov will face two-time tournament champion Alcaraz in the second round. They met last year in the fourth round of this event, with the latter winning in two sets, which was their most recent encounter on the ATP tour. Alcaraz has won consecutive titles at the Australian Open and the ATP500 Doha this season and is currently on a 12-match winning streak, making this undoubtedly an exciting matchup.

Dimitrov reached the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters in 2021, losing to the eventual champion Norrie; his only Masters title so far in his career was achieved at Cincinnati in 2017. Looking ahead to the upcoming match against world number one Alcaraz, Dimitrov stated: "I will only focus on my side of the court. At this stage of my career, I almost exclusively look at my own side and concentrate on what I want to do. Winning is good; losing is also good. That's the mindset I want to maintain more often."

（Text and editing: Dato, Image: Visual China）