Last year at this event, Dimitrov blitzed Carlos Alcaraz on his way to a runner-up finish at Hard Rock Stadium. With notable points to defend, the 33-year-old is back in the round of 16 following a hard-fought comeback win over Karen Khachanov.
“I try not to really pay attention to these things anymore, because I want to focus more on my game. I know that if I’m able to do that, the freedom I’m able to experience, in the end I don’t care if I lose the points or not. I care how I feel out there on the court,” he said in a follow-up interview with Amritraj on Tennis Channel.
“I’m not afraid to lose ranking, not afraid to lose points. Of course it adds pressure. I’m human after all.”
A meeting with No. 31 seed Brandon Nakashima awaits Tuesday, as Dimitrov seeks to keep the good vibes flowing the 305.