Australian Open 2017: 5 Dark Horses Who Could Win Big

Modified Jan 10, 2017 05:13 GMT

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 06: Alexander Zverev of Germany a forehand to Dan Evans of Great Britain plays in the men's singles match during day six of the 2017 Hopman Cup at Perth Arena on January 6, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) — Alexander ‘Sascha’ Zverev has been described as many – including Roger Federer – as a future No.1

2. Grigor Dimitrov

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria plays a backhand in the Men's Final match against Kei Nishikori of Japan during day eight of the Brisbane international at Pat Rafter Arena on January 8, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) — Dimitrov has begun his season with a title win at the Brisbane International

“I have set myself quite high goals for the first six months, and one of them was actually to win a tournament, and it happened during the first week of the year.”

This is what Grigor Dimitrov said after winning the title at the Brisbane International, ending a 30-month trophy drought. He defeated Dominic Thiem, Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori in back to back matches in the first week of the year.

If these are the signs of things to come in 2017, then Grigor looks set to make deep runs at the Grand Slams. ‘Baby Federer’, as he is called by many, is finally coming back to the form he became known for.

After a disappointing two seasons, the Bulgarian will look to silence his critics this year.

The cause of worry though is that Dimitrov neither fits in the category of upcoming players like Zverev and Thiem, nor does he fit in the category of talented players who have already made their mark on the tour. At the age of 25, time is fast running away for him. This year might be the year where he finally does justice to his talent.

Edited by Staff Editor