Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov has been announced for this year's Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart. Dimitrov had a debut appearance at the German ATP 250 event in the 2016 tennis season. The Stuttgart event marks the beginning of the Grass Court part of the season, as it is played in the first week of that part of the tennis calendar. Dimitrov is set to open up his grass court campaign in Stuttgart for the second straight year. The Mercedes Cup is scheduled to take place from June 12-18.

Dimitrov hopes to have a better outing in Stuttgart this time

Grigor Dimitrov didn't have the greatest debut at the Mercedes Cup in 2016, losing in the first-round to Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina in straight sets 4-6 2-6. Back then, Dimitrov was in bad form -- he entered the Stuttgart event with three consecutive first-round losses.

After a loss suffered to 2009 US Open champion del Potro, the streak was prolonged to four consecutive first-round exits.

Dimitrov will certainly be wanting to leave his mark in Stuttgart this season after a disappointing campaign last year. The grass courts of Stuttgart should suit Dimitrov's game, as he is known for his attractive style of play.

He has captured one title on grass so far in his career -- ATP Queen's 2014. He was also a Wimbledon semi-finalist in the same season. He is expected to be among the contenders to make it all the way in Stuttgart.

Dimitrov's expectations for the grass season

World number 11 Grigor Dimitrov has proven over the last couple of years that he is capable of being a real threat on grass.

Dimitrov is hoping to enter the top 10 on the ATP Rankings list once again and land a maiden Grand Slam title. As mentioned above, Dimitrov has had success in the past on the fastest tennis surface, having won the Queen's event and being a Wimbledon semi-finalist. Back in 2014, Dimitrov concluded his season on grass with a 9-1 record, according to Tennis Explorer. That was his best ever campaign on grass, which saw him lose to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semi-final.

According to the ATP World Tour website, Dimitrov's favourite surfaces are grass and hard, and his favorite tournament is Wimbledon. Dimitrov came close to winning his first Grand Slam at the beginning of the season at the Australian Open, but lost in the semi-final to Rafa Nadal. It remains to be seen if Dimitrov can make a splash on grass this season and go all the way at Wimbledon.
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