In the ever-growing list of new player-coach combinations on the ATP Tour, two more high-profile names have been added, as two players have made significant changes to their coaching teams this season. Interestingly, both players are at completely different stages of their careers.
Grigor Dimitrov is nearing the latter stages of his career. Arthur Fils is only just beginning to establish himself on tour. Here is everything you need to know about their latest coaching hires.
Two Massive ATP Coaching Moves
Grigor Dimitrov Adds David Nalbandian to His Team
At the end of the 2025 season, Dimitrov announced that he would make a change to his head coaching position, splitting with Daniel Vallverdu. The Bulgarian had worked with Vallverdu for more than five years across different periods of Vallverdu’s career.
While Dimitrov took some time before naming a high-profile replacement, it has now been revealed that former World No. 3 David Nalbandian will join his team as head coach. He will work alongside Xavier Malisse as part of Dimitrov’s coaching setup.
The Argentine and former Wimbledon runner-up was known for his exceptional backhand and technical ability during his playing days. However, his ATP-level coaching experience remains limited. His only notable stint came with Miomir Kecmanovic in 2021, a partnership that ended a year later. Now, Nalbandian gets an opportunity with one of the tour’s more prominent names, with Acapulco set to be his first assignment.
Arthur Fils Teams Up With Goran Ivanisevic
Another player who endured an injury-riddled 2025 season is Arthur Fils, who has made a major coaching addition of his own. Fils has brought in former Wimbledon champion and former Novak Djokovic coach Goran Ivanisevic to his team.
The Frenchman’s last notable head coach was Sebastien Grosjean, with whom he split mutually in somewhat surprising fashion in 2025. Now, Fils adds a wealth of experience to his camp as he looks to put the injury setbacks of 2025 behind him and continue his rise as one of the most exciting young players in men’s tennis. Fils confirmed the collaboration on court following his Round of 16 victory in Doha, saying:
“Hell of a champion. Winner of a slam and coached a lot of guys. A lot of champions actually so. So, yeah he, he’s helping me during the season. I mean, we’re gonna try, but I think it’s, it’s good for me. It’s maybe the best for me to have his experience as a coach and as a player. So, very, very happy that he joined us during this long journey.”
These two appointments further add to what has already been one of the most dramatic and turbulent coaching carousels in recent ATP history. The movement began during the offseason and has continued deep into February, reshaping several top teams across the tour.
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