Grigor Dimitrov is adding a serious dose of experience and flair to his coaching team: David Nalbandian is officially joining Dimitrov’s camp. The news was confirmed by Dimitrov’s manager, Georgi Stoimenov, ahead of the Bulgarian’s upcoming appearance in Acapulco (February 23-28).
For fans of early-2000s tennis, Nalbandian needs no introduction. The Argentine was one of the most gifted ball strikers of his generation, peaking at No. 3 in the ATP rankings and known for his silky smooth backhand and tactical acumen. Since retiring in 2013, Nalbandian has split time between rally car racing and coaching, most notably working with Miomir Kecmanovic in recent years.
Now, he joins a Dimitrov team that’s already built on strong, familiar foundations. Xavier Malisse remains a key figure in the setup.
The 45-year-old Belgian, a former world No. 19, has been coaching since hanging up his racquet in 2020. He and Dimitrov go back more than a decade - they faced off three times between 2012 and 2013, with Dimitrov edging the head-to-head 2-1.
That on-court history has clearly translated into a solid working relationship off it.
With Nalbandian stepping in, Dimitrov’s camp gains a coach who understands the grind of the ATP Tour at the highest level - someone who’s been in the late stages of Grand Slams and battled the best in the world. His tactical insights and baseline creativity could be a valuable asset as Dimitrov looks to build on his recent form and push deeper into the 2026 season.
The rest of Dimitrov’s team remains intact: Mark Bender continues as physiotherapist, while Yutaka Nakamura oversees physical conditioning. Together, they form a support system that blends familiarity, high-level experience, and now, a fresh tactical mind in Nalbandian.
As the tour rolls into Acapulco, all eyes will be on how this new dynamic plays out. With Dimitrov showing flashes of his top-tier talent in recent months, the addition of a tennis brain like Nalbandian’s could be the spark that helps him take that next step.