"The ultimate goal that stays there for me is to absolutely come back to top 10," Grigor Dimitrov said.
Grigor Dimitrov spent some time running steps near his home training for his return.
The 19th-ranked Dimitrov commenced his climb back to the Top 10 in Washington, DC today.
Serena Surprise: Williams Sisters Hit Together at Citi Open
Dimitrov launched his Citi Open with a 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Adrian Mannarino.
It was Dimitrov's first match since a strained groin forced him to retire from his Wimbledon opener vs. Steve Johnson.
It's been five years since Dimitrov won Cincinnati and the ATP Finals in the same season, but the Bulgarian believes he can make a Top 10 return.
"I still believe I can come back to the top. I would say that's my primary goal right now," Dimitrov told the media in Washington, DC. "I have been able to be top 20 for quite some time. I was top 10 for quite some time. I was 3 in the world.
"I have gone through that process, and I know what it takes. I know that it's possible to do it again. It's going to come with consistency, but of course it's all up to me."
Next up for Dimitrov is a round of 16 clash vs. 22-year-old American Sebastian Korda—another talented player with Top 10 aspirations.
The 31-year-old Dimitrov believes his experience can help him make a Top 10 return.
"Of course the ultimate goal that stays there for me is to absolutely come back to top 10. I think it's super doable for me," Dimitrov said. "Again, if I have the good consistency, why not go even bigger with the slams? I have been there, I have done that. I know how to play long matches.
"As I said, I have so much sort of in the bank that why not get something out of that? I think, again, you stay healthy and you give yourself a chance every time you're out there."
Photo credit: Getty
