Dimitrov seeks fast Brisbane start
Dec 30, 2017 - 7:22 AM Grigor Dimitrov's Brisbane International defence will prove tougher with the arrival of former world No.1 Andy Murray ahead of Sunday's first round.Murray's place in the draw was questioned due to his lack of preparation following a troublesome hip injury that curtailed his 2017 season.
But the Scot was drafted into the tournament as second seed on Saturday and has booked a practise session at the Queensland Tennis Centre, in a sign he'll at least attempt to play the season-opening event.
Dimitrov used last season's Brisbane win to catapult him to No.3 in the world and has welcomed the pressure as top seed after the late withdrawal of Rafael Nadal (knee).
The 26-year-old finished the season by winning the ATP Finals and now has his sights set on a maiden grand slam title.
"It propelled my year into a great success and you always count on that start, it's so important," he said.
"I was so excited after that finish (at the ATP Finals) that for me it was a matter of finding the best way to rest.
"Physically I was good but mentally pretty exhausted.
"It's very easy to be hyped for such a long time but I've set myself goals for next year so want to make sure I remain very collected and just as excited to practise as I am to perform."
He along with fellow top-four seeds Murray, Nick Kyrgios and Milos Raonic will receive first round byes and play their first matches on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Of the four he is the only one free of injury concerns, with Murray's chronic hip problem hampering his Australian build-up.
"I don't know how he's feeling," the Bulgarian said of his expectations for Murray.
"But he wouldn't try something unless he's at least feeling ready to play.
"He's one of those champions that always fights and finds a way because (regardless) he's going to be dangerous."
Saturday's draw was a relatively kind one for the Australian contingent, with wildcard John Millman to play a qualifier and Matt Ebden to meet American Frances Tiafoe.
Fellow wildcards Alex De Minaur and Jordan Thompson will play Americans Steve Johnson and Jared Donaldson.
De Minaur is the only Australian male in singles action on Sunday, slated to play the last of four scheduled matches on Pat Rafter Arena.
In the women's field, Samantha Stosur will play seventh seed Anastasija Sevastova, while local wildcards Destanee Aiava and Ajla Tomljanovic will meet, and eighth seed Ashleigh Barty faces world No.42 Lesia Tsurenko on Monday.
AUSSIES IN ACTION ON DAY ONE
Samantha Stosur v Anastasija Sevastova, second match on Pat Rafter Arena
Alex De Minaur v Steve Johnson, fourth on Pat Rafter Arena
Destanee Aiava v Ajla Tomljanovic, third on Court One
Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua v Madison Keys and Heather Watson, third on Court Two
John Peers and Henri Kontinen v Milos Raonic and Denis Shapovalov, fourth on Court Two
Source: AAP
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