Grigor Dimitrov ended his unlucky seven-year title drought by repeating as Brisbane champion from 2017 with a 7-6 (5), 6-4 defeat of young gun Holger Rune in Sunday’s final.
Dimitrov’s last title came at the ATP Finals in London. his fourth of that standout season.
The 32-year-old Bulgarian ranked 14th, held off young gun Holger Rune in the Sunday trophy at the ATP event 7-6 (5), 6-4 in a success story lasting for almost two and a half hours.
The tournament is back to its classic ATP-WTA format after being scrubbed from the calendar after the 2019 edition to make way for the ill-fated ATP Cup, since defunct..
Dimitrov was presented his trophy by former Aussie great Pat Rafter, for whom the stadium is named.
“My love arraif with Brisbane started here many years ago and it continues. I’m very thankful to lift the trophy again.”
Rune was gracious in defeat: “It’s a great start to the year and we have a lot to build on. Hopefully we can go one step further at the Australian Open.”
