Grigor Dimitrov reckons the time for games is over as he attempts to snap a six-year title drought.
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The Bulgarian 32-year-old will face Dane Holger Rune, 12 years his junior, in the Brisbane International final on Sunday.
Dimitrov last lifted a trophy at the end of 2017, his fourth in a year that began with a Brisbane triumph and saw him rise as high as No.3 in the world.
He credited nightly visits to an arcade game parlour in Fortitude Valley for balancing his state of mind during the tournament and was sure to pay the venue a visit again in 2019.
But in the tournament's return to the ATP Tour after a four-year absence, Dimitrov has not made it back to the Valley to play pinball.
"I'm at the place where I need to be a little bit more precise in what I do, when I do, and how I do - and I'm okay with it," Dimitrov said of ditching his old routine.
"It's a very interesting ... I don't know ... era that I'm at.
"It's like I'm getting a second wind not only in my sport but in my life.
"I'm always the type of person that likes to stretch my skin and try new things."
Injuries spoiled Dimitrov's progress. His tough luck was best summed up in a 2021 French Open retirement with a back injury when he had three match points at 0-40 in the third set on American Marcos Giron's serve.
A resurgence has led him to return to No.14 in the world and reach two finals in 2023.
But he hasn't been driven there by the thought of claiming a ninth career title.
"My hunger? It goes way beyond," he said.
"It's been amazing for me and my team to just keep on ... that's where it's our biggest reward, biggest prize, to play on those matches.
"Of course, you want to win. Of course, you want to lift the trophy. I think I'm very proud of all the other things that I've done so far."
Standing in the way is an ambitious 20-year-old world No.8 Rune, who already boasts four ATP titles and two wins over Novak Djokovic.
But Dimitrov reckons he could teach Rune a thing or two if they paid a visit to that Valley arcade parlour.
"There's a bunch of much younger guys that have done so well, on top of their game ... but let's not forget the other generation," he said.
"They're a little bit fearless, they want to hit the ball strong. I know they're strong clearly. You can see that.
"But there's ins-and-outs of the game.
"When you're that young, you haven't seen the other side of the game and life as well."
Australian Associated Press
