Grigor Dimitrov returns with win at Brisbane International

Grigor Dimitrov has made a successful return to competition at the Brisbane International, defeating Pablo Carreño Busta 6–3, 6–2 in 68 minutes to reach the second round.

The match marked Dimitrov’s first full win since last summer. At Wimbledon Championships in 2025, the former world No. 3 was forced to retire in tears while leading Jannik Sinner by two sets. That retirement was Dimitrov’s fifth consecutive withdrawal at a Grand Slam.

Dimitrov did not compete again until the Paris Masters in October, where he won one match before withdrawing again due to injury. Brisbane marks the start of his 2026 season and his first uninterrupted appearance since then.

Against Carreño Busta, Dimitrov hit seven aces and dropped just 11 points on serve. He is a two-time champion at the tournament, having won the title in 2017 and 2024, and this is his 10th appearance in Brisbane.

After the match, Dimitrov said the past months had been difficult physically and mentally, adding that being able to compete again was already a positive step. He also credited the Brisbane crowd for their support.

Dimitrov will face Belgian Raphael Collignon in the second round as he continues his return.