Analysis of the ATP's top prospects in 2013

3. Grigor Dimitrov – 2013 Ranking 22

‘Baby Fed’ or Mr. Sharapova, whatever you prefer, is finally starting to fulfill his potential. He’s also one of the few players on the circuit whose year ranking is better than his actual ranking of 31. Some of Dimitrov’s play this year has been sensational. He pushed Murray and Nadal all the way on their respective favourite surfaces and famously beat Djokovic at Madrid in May. His shot making is up with the best and on his day can challenge any member of the Big Four. What’s more promising for Dimitrov is that ‘his day’ is becoming more frequent by the day as well.

There are still concerns though for the Bulgarian. His mental toughness is under scrutiny after his limp wristed effort at Roland Garros and the way he was completely outsmarted on grass against Lleyton Hewitt suggests that he still has a lot to learn about the mental side of the game, such as not using too much energy too soon. In my view, Dimitrov is most suited of all the prospects to reach a Grand Slam final the quickest. If he plays all out for a prolonged period of time, he can beat anyone. Unlike Tomic, off the court he is incredibly popular with fans and players alike – judging by the way the ball girls were drooling over him in Queen’s, he could be the next Bjorn Borg – and his discipline cannot be questioned. He just needs to improve his consistency in his head and with the racket. If he can do this he will be a success, I’m certain.