Grigor Dimitrov finally ended his losing streak on the ATP Tour after coming through his first round match at the Indian Wells Open.
The Bulgarian, who has suffered three consecutive first-round exits in 2026, was handed a tough opening assignment in the form of Cincinnati Open semifinalist Terence Atmane, but came out on top in three sets, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.
In the second round of the ATP Masters 1000 competition, Dimitrov will be faced with world number one Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz is undefeated so far this season, with the Spaniard having secured titles in both of his tournament appearances at the Australian Open and the Qatar Open.
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Ahead of their clash, Dimitrov said he hopes to ‘rattle’ the youngest player ever to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Grigor Dimitrov previews his next match with Carlos Alcaraz
Speaking to Tennis Channel, Dimitrov said of the clash with Alcaraz: “Of course it’s going to be a tough match. Let’s see it for what it is.
“Of course, I mean, I love watching him play. He’s just crushing the ball. I love him, you know, in a positive way.
“But at the same time, these are the moments where, for me, the fun part begins. It’s like thinking about what I can do differently, or something new or interesting that could potentially not only rattle him but put him in a position where he doesn’t really like it.
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“That’s what I’m saying, you just never know how the game will unfold because it’s all in your hands.
“I believe if I do the right things and cut down on a few mistakes here and there, something good can come out of it. So I’m going to come out with that mindset and just stay locked in.”
Grigor Dimitrov’s record against Carlos Alcaraz on the ATP Tour
Dimitrov has faced Alcaraz six times on the ATP Tour before, and currently trails 4-2 in the head-to-head.
Alcaraz won their first three bouts across all three surfaces, beating Dimitrov on hard court at the 2022 Paris Masters, on the clay courts of the Madrid Open a year later, and also on the grass of Queen’s in 2023.
At the Shanghai Masters in 2023, Dimitrov opened his account in the rivalry by coming back from a set down to triumph over Alcaraz in the round of 16,
He then made it two wins in a row over Alcaraz at the 2024 Miami Open, winning in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.
In their most recent meeting at the 2025 Indian Wells Open, however, Alcaraz dominated Dimitrov 6-1, 6-1.
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