Pete Sampras knows a thing or two about winning Grand Slam titles so when he nominates the names most likely to stand tall on the biggest stages in 2015, it is worth noting.
His first three picks are to be expected – Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – the trio who, despite having lost some of their stranglehold in 2015, have dominated the big titles more than any of their peers.
Outside the obvious three, however, the 14-time major winner earmarks vastly improving Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov as the man finally ready to shed the Grand-Slam-champion-in-waiting tag in the season ahead.
“Grigor is someone that I think is ready to make that next step,” Sampras said recently. “He’s showing signs. I think he just needs to learn how to win but he’s got the talent.”
Dimitrov, who started the 2014 season ranked No.23 in the world, surged to as high as eighth during the year before finishing just outside the top 10.
He reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon where he sent defending men’s champion Andy Murray packing in the quarterfinals – his second victory over the Scot for 2014 – before falling to eventual champion Novak Djokovic in four sets.
“As one of the younger guys, I know that we strive for this, we’re hungry for it. We want to prove ourselves, to show to the big guys that we’re just around the corner,” he said after beating Murray.
The 23-year-old won three titles on three different surfaces throughout the year – Acapulco on hardcourt, Bucharest on clay and Queen’s on grass, where he saved match points to deny Feliciano Lopez in the final.
His efforts were enough to see him named athlete of the year in Bulgaria, where he is already a superstar.
But for all the plaudits for his natural talent and endorsements flowing his way – not forgetting his high-profile relationship of two years with the Brisbane International’s top women’s seed, Maria Sharapova – Dimitrov remains refreshingly grounded.
He turned down an offer as second alternate player for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London, explaining that he wanted to earn his place in the top eight on his own terms.
“If I go, it is because I deserved to be there, not hope someone gets hurt so I get to play,” he said.
His abundance of natural talent – often drawing parallels to Federer’s – has never been in question, but under the guidance of Australian coach Roger Rasheed, he has made huge inroads on the physical aspect of his game in the past year.
Rasheed’s renowned emphasis on fitness and work ethic has not fallen on deaf ears.
As much as a lead-up to his Australian Open preparations, Brisbane is a sentimental stop, of sorts, for Dimitrov.
Two years ago, as a flashy 21-year-old, he announced his intentions on Pat Rafter Arena, reaching his first tour final before falling to Murray in the decider.
“It’s going to be my third time out there and it’s definitely a tournament I remember, it was one of my first big breakthrough tournaments and I’m always excited to get out there,” Dimitrov said. “To me the ultimate goal is to win it. I love that tournament and I definitely want to win it one day.”
Few would be surprised to see the Bulgarian holding the Roy Emerson trophy on Pat Rafter Arena in 2015. If it ends up a precursor to a maiden Grand Slam title this season, remember Pete picked it.