Dimitrov kick-starts title defence, Lehecka sinks Rune in Brisbane

Something about the heat and humidity of Queensland brings out the best of Grigor Dimitrov.

The Bulgarian on Monday kick-started his title defence at the Brisbane International presented by Evie with a 7-6(5), 6-3 victory against Yannick Hanfmann. By improving to 24-6 overall at the hard-court ATP 250, Dimitrov moved clear of his fellow two-time titlist Andy Murray to own the most match wins in tournament history.

“It comes from humbling beginnings, I guess. I think I first came here 15 years and since day 1, I had that [love affair] with the event,” said Dimitrov in his on-court interview. “I keep on going, keep on building, keep on testing myself and keep on delivering in front of you guys as long as I can. I just want to enjoy when I step out here, and it seems like I’m doing that every single time, so I think that’s a good thing. Hopefully I can continue and go all the way again.”

Coming through with that slicey touch 🖌️

Dimitrov cements his spot in the next round with a 7-6(5) 6-3 win against Hanfmann 👊@brisbanetennis | #BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/hY0t12MEo9

— ATP Tour (@atptour) December 30, 2024

The No. 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Dimitrov was pushed hard by the World No. 45 Hanfmann. The match contrasted starkly with the pair’s only previous Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting, when the Bulgarian dropped just one game in a clash in Miami earlier this year. Dimitrov, who snapped a six-year title drought with his 2024 triumph in Brisbane, will take on home wild card Aleksandar Vukic next.

Vukic's countryman, Jordan Thompson, will also compete in the second round after rallying past Matteo Berrettini 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The eighth-seeded Thompson defeated Rafael Nadal en route to the semi-finals in Brisbane a year ago, and he will hope to continue building another strong run when he faces Alex Michelsen in the second round. Michelsen on Monday saved a match point before overcoming Christopher O’Connell 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(10).

“Taking down Nadal in Australia in the quarter-final of one of your hometown tournaments is huge, especially when you idolized the guy growing up,” said Thompson, when asked whether that win in Brisbane had set the tone for his standout 35-win 2024 season. “It's special just to share the court with him, but to take him down is a whole different thing. Gave me so much confidence... It just kick-started the year.”

Jiri Lehecka delivered a sharp returning display to sink third seed and 2024 finalist Holger Rune in the final match of the day in Brisbane. Lehecka converted five of six break points he earned, according to Infosys ATP Stats, to launch his 2025 season in style.

Up one spot to No. 27 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, Lehecka will take on qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka, a 6-3, 6-4 winner against Arthur Rinderknech in the second round. Nicolas Jarry and Benjamin Bonzi also earned first-round wins on Monday: Jarry defeated Mariano Navone 7-5, 7-6(7), while recent Metz champion Bonzi sank Alejandro Tabilo 6-7(8), 7-6(5), 6-4.