New coach, rebuilt body: Grigor Dimitrov begins his latest climb with Xavier Malisse
Now partnering with Xavier Malisse, Grigor Dimitrov is launching a total structural ‘reshuffle’ aimed at reclaiming his health and proving his 44th ranking doesn’t define his current game.
Grigor Dimitrov, 2025 | © Tennis Majors
Grigor Dimitrov has officially signaled a “new chapter” in his career by appointing Xavier Malisse from Belgium as his head coach for the start of the 2026 season. The announcement, made during his early arrival for the Brisbane International, marks a significant tactical shift for the 34-year-old Bulgarian following the end of his eight-year collaboration with Daniel Vallverdu and a journey with Jamie Delgado that ended in 2025, a separation that occurred while Dimitrov was sidelined for nearly four months due to a pectoral injury.
Dimitrov, a former world No. 3 in 2017 and perennial fan favorite, has touched down in Queensland to launch a 2026 campaign that feels like a total structural reset. After a 2025 season marred by significant physical setbacks, Dimitrov has confirmed this major shift in his coaching box after a short appearance at the Rolex Paris Masters end of October. In Paris, he secured one victory against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard before withdrawing ahead of his second-round match due to shoulder discomfort.
Dimitrov : “reshuffled the whole thing”
“Xavier is next to me,” Dimitrov confirmed during a practice session at the Queensland Tennis Centre. “We’ve decided on a new arrangement. It brings clarity. From a fitness point of view, I’ve reshuffled the whole thing. My whole career, as well. Major changes, all of them.”
“Last year I felt like it started off my season pretty strong, so I’m looking forward to hopefully doing the same thing,” Grigor Dimitrov said upon arriving in Brisbane. “But yeah, you never know what to expect at the start of the year. You’ve been practicing for a few weeks straight, so hopefully the things that I’ve been working on in practice can translate over.”
The appointment of Malisse, the former world No. 19 from Belgium, aims at injecting fresh clarity into a game that remains one of the most aesthetic on the ATP Tour but has recently been sidelined by the frailty of the athlete.
“It took time to build the muscles back”
The “reshuffle” was born out of necessity. Dimitrov was forced to withdraw from several high-profile events after his retirement against Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon on July 7, 2025. Despite leading the world No. 1 by a score of 6-3, 7-5, 2-2, Dimitrov collapsed on court with what was later confirmed to be a partial tear of his right pectoralis major muscle. This injury forced him to miss the remainder of the summer swing, including the US Open.
“It took time to build the muscles back,” Dimitrov admitted, specifically referencing his upper body. “It was a painful summer. I couldn’t serve, couldn’t forehand, all that stuff. I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym. It was a progress in work, and seeing it now, it’s obviously hard, but I’ve been listening to my body.”
By choosing the Brisbane International over the United Cup, Dimitrov is returning to a “home away from home”. Bulgaria did not qualify for the United Cup this year, leaving the world No. 44 to focus purely on individual preparation for the Australian Open.
Dreams open at Brisbane
“My goal primarily is to get out there and not have those doubts in my body, make sure he’s 100%” Dimitrov explained. “I’m not just talking about tennis, but being in control. I’ve had a lot of people around me helping. My girlfriend has been such a support through a difficult schedule.”
Dimitrov, a two-time champion at Brisbane with titles in 2017 and 2024, can’t help but dream of a third crown despite his return uncertainty. “I’m stepping on the court to compete, it’s to always do my best and to is to conquer the tournament. And and I think this time is no different for me. My ranking (world No. 44) doesn’t really like, speak for, for my game right now, but I believe that if I do the right things and stay healthy, if the body really allows me to to push through in a tough, tough moments during the match, I believe good things can happen”.
