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Grigor Dimitrov claimed his first ATP title in over six years in Brisbane, beating five rivals and making a perfect start to the season. Grigor's long-time friend Serena Williams congratulated her "brother" on the success. Serena and Grigor have been close friends for years, practicing together and spending time off the court.
Dimitrov was alongside Williams during her last run at the 2022 US Open, and a 23-time Major winner was thrilled to see Grigor lifting a trophy after an extended break. Dimitrov toppled four players from outside the top-40 en route to the final, facing the top seed Holger Rune in the title clash.
Grigor beat the young gun 7-6, 6-4 in two hours and 14 minutes for his second Brisbane title, the first in seven years. The more experienced player fought better behind the second serve, defending all three break chances and delivering a single break in set number two after creating nine opportunities.
Holger had a chance to build an early advantage after earning two break points in the encounter's first game.
Serena Williams celebrated Grigor Dimitrov's Brisbane ATP title.
Grigor denied them and held with a booming serve, avoiding an early setback.
Rune survived a break point in game four and faced another at 2-3 after Dimitrov's forehand down the line winner. The top seed defended it with a service winner and fired a forehand winner to lock the result at 3-3. Grigor played against a break point in game seven, staying aggressive and erasing it with a smash winner.
They served well in the remaining games, with Rune introducing a tie break after a comfortable hold at 5-6. Grigor grabbed two mini-breaks and forged a 3-0 advantage after Holger's loose forehand. The Bulgarian landed an ace at 4-3 and earned three set points after the Dane's wayward backhand.
Rune saved the first two on his serve, and Dimitrov converted the third with a smash winner at the net, securing the opener after an hour and nine minutes.
They battled hard at 1-1 in the second set, with nine deuces and three break points for Grigor. Holger survived all the challenges and held after a forehand winner, remaining on the positive side. The more experienced player left those chances behind and served well in the upcoming games.
Grigor grabbed a break at 3-3 after Holger's loose forehand, moving in front and holding in the next one for 5-3. Rune faced two match points on serve in game nine and denied them with winners from his volley and forehand, reducing the deficit to 5-4.
Dimitrov served for the title in game ten and moved over the top with a backhand volley winner, celebrating his first ATP trophy since November 2017.