Grigor Dimitrov adds David Nalbandian to coaching team with hope of getting "myself in the same place again"

As Grigor Dimitrov’s comeback season shifts its attention to the upcoming Sunshine Double, the Bulgarian is settling in with a new-look team.

Having brought on Xavier Malisse at the start of the year, Dimitrov added fellow former world No. 3 David Nalbandian to his coaching camp ahead of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco.

“In a way, it happened so naturally. Right now we are still finding our footing, because it’s very new for all of us,” he told ATP Media ahead of his opening match. “But things are very clear of what needs to be done and how we want to tackle the game.”

Dimitrov had the opportunity to face both players early in his career. He lost his maiden ATP semifinal at 2012 London Queen’s to Nalbandian and took two of three meetings with Malisse. While it’s very early goings, Dimitrov felt an instant connection with both the Argentine and Belgian.

“It’s nice when you can relate to someone that you have played. At the beginning, when I got into the conversations with them, we really started to see things similarly,” he commented. “I could relate to them in terms of the timing of their careers, injuries, game plan, thoughts, and all of that.”

In a way, it happened so naturally. Right now we are still finding our footing, because it’s very new for all of us. Grigor Dimitrov

Currently ranked No. 44, Dimitrov dropped his opener Tuesday evening, 6-3, 6-3, to Terence Atmane. As he looks to reverse a four-match losing streak heading into Indian Wells, Dimitrov had touched on the motivation and challenge of climbing back up the mountain following the pectoral injury he suffered with a two-set lead against Jannik Sinner in the fourth round of 2025 Wimbledon.

“It’s still kind of early in the year, but I’m looking forward to put myself back there. Not only in the mix, but in the position to have those big and heavy matches,” Dimitrov said.

“I miss going through those types of matches. I’m trying to prepare, mostly physically, for them right now. I know my game will follow, but I just need to get myself in the same place again.”

Nalbandian previously worked with Miomir Kecmanovic during the 2021-22 seasons, while Malisse was a 2024 ATP Coach of the Year nominee for his contributions to Alexei Popyrin’s successes that year. Dimitrov parted ways with Daniel Vallverdu for a second time last December.