The former Argentine player, who reached number 3 in the world, will join Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov's team starting from the Acapulco ATP 500
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Major news has shaken the tennis world in the last few hours. David Nalbandian, one of the best players in Argentina's history, will return to the professional tour, this time from the benches. The former world number three has been confirmed as the new coach of Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov and will start working with him at the ATP 500 in Acapulco, which will be held from February 23 to 28.
The information was confirmed by Georgi Stoimenov, the player's representative, to the specialized outlet TennisKafe. The Argentine will join a coaching team that already includes Belgian Xavier Malisse, former world number 19, as well as physiotherapist Mark Bender and fitness coach Yutaka Nakamura.
Nalbandian es una de las leyendas del tenis nacional
For Nalbandian, 44 years old, this is a significant return to the highest level. Retired since 2013 after having reached third place in the ATP rankings, the player from Córdoba ventured into rally racing and later had a first experience as a coach alongside Serbian Miomir Kecmanović, a partnership that ended in 2022. Since then, he has remained away from the tour.
On Dimitrov's side, the addition of the Argentine is interpreted as an attempt to revitalize his career. The Bulgarian, 34 years old and currently number 42 in the world rankings, has been a semifinalist at Wimbledon 2014, the Australian Open 2017, and the US Open 2019, in addition to winning nine ATP titles. In his early days he was nicknamed "Baby Federer" for his playing style and elegance on the court.
The decision comes after the end of his professional relationship with Dani Vallverdú at the end of 2025. In the current season, Dimitrov achieved a title in Brisbane but suffered early exits at the Australian Open and in Dallas, results that sped up the search for a new boost.
Grigor Dimitrov quiere volver a brillar
The partnership between Nalbandian and Dimitrov is generating anticipation in tennis circles. The Argentine will contribute his experience as one of the great exponents of the golden generation of national tennis, while the Bulgarian will try to take a definitive step to return to the forefront of the tour.
