Grigor Dimitrov has expanded his coaching team by adding former world No. 3 David Nalbandian as he seeks to rebuild momentum following a challenging stretch. The Bulgarian, now ranked No. 44 in the ATP rankings, will work with Nalbandian alongside longtime collaborator Xavier Malisse as he enters a crucial phase of the 2026 season.
Nalbandian joined Dimitrov’s camp ahead of the ATP 500 event in Acapulco, where the 34-year-old saw his campaign begin with a straight-sets loss. While the results have not yet turned around, Dimitrov described bringing Nalbandian into the fold as a natural fit based on shared experiences and a common understanding of the game.
“I knew them separately, and it also helps when you’ve played against them a few times,” Dimitrov said in an interview with ATP Media. “We started to see things similarly and could relate on career timing, injuries, and game strategy.”
Source: NY Times
Dimitrov’s relationship with his new coaches goes back to his playing days. He holds a 2-1 head-to-head record against Malisse from their earlier careers, and he lost his single match against Nalbandian at Queen’s Club in 2012.
The coaching changes come after Dimitrov parted ways with longtime coach Daniel Vallverdu in December. Adding Nalbandian builds on the team’s experience, as Nalbandian previously coached Miomir Kecmanovic, while Malisse earned recognition as a 2024 ATP Coach of the Year nominee for his work with Alexei Popyrin.
Dimitrov is using this stretch of tournaments to regain physical form and competitive sharpness after a pectoral injury forced him to retire from a Wimbledon match in 2025 while leading two sets to love. He said his primary focus is on strengthening his conditioning so that his game can improve naturally.
As the season builds toward Indian Wells and beyond, Dimitrov will rely on his revamped support staff to help navigate the challenges of returning to peak form.
