Grigor Dimitrov first made a splash in the tennis world in the summer of 2014 when he won the title at Queen’s and reached the semifinals at Wimbledon. This success led to him being dubbed the “Baby Fed” due to his playing style resembling that of Roger Federer. However, Dimitrov did not appreciate the comparison and wanted to be recognized as his own person without being compared to others. Despite not living up to the initial high expectations, Dimitrov has had a successful career, making multiple Grand Slam semifinals and reaching a career-high ranking of No 3 in 2017. He is now back in the world’s top 10 for the first time in six years and is playing some of the best tennis of his career.
Dimitrov attributes his recent success to a combination of factors, including a new coaching team, a change in mentality, and utilizing his experience and fitness effectively. He has been working with Jamie Delgado and Dani Vallverdu, former coaches of Andy Murray, and finds their perspective beneficial in his career. Dimitrov had a standout moment in 2024 with a commanding victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Miami Open, showcasing his skill and ability to dominate on the court. He describes the feeling of being in the “flow” as a state of mind that is rare but allows him to perform at his best.
Despite his success, Dimitrov has faced setbacks, including a memorable five-set loss to Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open in 2017. He struggled to get over the defeat but credits his mental strength and seeking support from professionals, family, and friends for helping him move forward. Throughout his career, Dimitrov has evolved as a person and a player, reflecting on his former showbusiness image and the tough decisions he has had to make both on and off the court. He acknowledges the challenges of balancing personal growth with the demands of being a top athlete.
Dimitrov emphasizes the importance of selfishness and ruthlessness in tennis, highlighting the fine line between positive and negative attributes in pursuit of success. He values good sportsmanship and etiquette on the court while recognizing the need for competitiveness and drive to win. As one of the more experienced players on the tour, Dimitrov takes his role seriously, participating in the ATP Player Advisory Council and using his accumulated experience to his advantage. Outside of tennis, he enjoys collecting art and engaging in hobbies like driving cars and motorbikes.
Looking ahead, Dimitrov is focused on maintaining his strong start to 2024 at Wimbledon and navigating the challenges of the tennis season. He understands the importance of giving his all in every match and continues to seek ways to improve and stay competitive. As he reflects on his career journey, Dimitrov embraces the changes and growth he has experienced, recognizing that achieving success in tennis requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to adapt. With a renewed focus and a supportive team behind him, Dimitrov is poised to continue making an impact in the tennis world.
