by Andy Schooler, at The O2
Grigor Dimitrov believes marginal gains are the way forward for him as he plots a move further up the tennis rankings.
The Bulgarian won on his ATP Finals debut on Monday, beating Dominic Thiem in a nervy three-set encounter, another result which made him feel he is comfortable in elite company.
A career-best year has culminated in an appearance at the season-ending showpiece in London but he doesn’t feel he has any major weakness now to work on, in part thanks to the work of coach Dani Vallverdu, who previously worked with Andy Murray.
Instead he will focus on small improvements in the off-season – following the model implemented by Dave Brailsford at Team Sky in that several marginal gains can result in a strong overall improvement.
Dimitrov said: “I'm trying to fulfil the little gaps that I think I can do better on. From now on, I think only the little things will make a huge difference.
“In order for me to do that, that's why I have my team around. I think they're going to help me figure the next step because I always think there's a next step. I want to push myself.”
Dimitrov appreciates the strong season he’s enjoyed, pointing out his consistent results against lower-ranked players.
“I think the past 10 months I've been playing against super, elite players," he added. "I think also at some point I was looking back to who I've lost my matches against and all that. It has always been quality players, like higher-ranked players. I mean, that's a good sign.
“I think every year you learn more about yourself, about the game, about the players. I've done also a lot of work on and off the court. I think it finally is starting to kind of come together.”
Having been picked out as one of the rising stars of the game at an early age, Dimitrov has often been accused on not delivering fully on his potential.
However, the 26-year-old says some players are late developers – and he’s now planning to be around at the top for some time yet.
“Everybody has a different path, a different way. It's just as simple as that.
“I think just sooner or later you realise things in life, whether it's tennis or whether it's life.
“I think there are a lot of components that are kind of coming together.
“You kind of, I think, make a decision. I think my decision's been made (for a) long time. It was just fighting with my demons to find the right path to be consistent enough."
Expressing a refreshing, relaxed attitude, Dimitrov continued: “I think the best is yet to come. I'm super excited for what's ahead. I'm already looking for the next season.
“Maybe I come back next year and I don't do obviously as good. What can I do? It's not the end of the world. I'll just get back at it and just keep trying, keep trying to reach out what I really want to reach out.”