Grigor Dimitrov

[Lucas]

Grigor Dimitrov 3-rd round interview AO 17

Grigor Dimitrov def Richard Gasquet 6-3 6-2 6-4

Spoiler:

Q. How did you feel about going onto the court so late, two minutes before midnight?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: I mean, a lot of thoughts can go through your head around that time. The past couple of days I've been going to bed pretty late just to get the feel going to bed late. I don't fall asleep if the match goes on.

But again tonight, I'm just happy I finished in straight sets and I didn't have to waste more energy or more time on the court. So I'm just happy with that.

Q. Was there any talk about a curfew, a midnight curfew?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Meaning?

Q. You couldn't go on after a certain hour.
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I've never heard of that. We had matches in the past finishing 4, 5 in the morning. It's in the game. Whatever it is, it's in the game. I just had to deal with whatever was in front of me. Yeah, I'm just moving along now.

Q. What kind of impact do you think it will have on your tournament moving into the latter rounds?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: For sure a match like that, it helps me. I helps me to have more confidence, to feel better on the court, more secure in my shots. Just a lot of positives. Take a lot of positives out of that match. The first couple of matches were so-so in my opinion. To be able to come tonight and step up against a player like Richard, it means a lot to me, gives me good credit. In the same time I just need to focus now, just need to keep the same line, just control what I can.

Q. In Brisbane you said you changed your routine a little bit, you were going to arcades and playing games. Been doing anything like that?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Actually I went to the arcades a few nights ago. I think it's important to kind of disconnect a little bit, just hang out with friends, walk around, do whatever you feel like doing. I think it's very important for the mind and the body to be synchronized with you. If you feel that you're in one element, it always feels good to be on the court warming up, you feel loose, happy. I think this is great. In the same time, you need to enjoy every match you play. You just never know what's going to happen, if it's going to be your last match on such a court. It was my first win on Rod Laver. I'm going to remember that for sure. Those moments for me count a lot.

Q. Will you be requesting a later start on Monday?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I'm not one of those guys that go, Can you please play me at 1 a.m. in the morning, whatever. Whatever time. I really don't care. I wouldn't think they're going to put us early to play anyway just because of my match and Denis's match. Getting ready for that one.

Q. What time do you think you'll be able to get to sleep tonight?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Hopefully by 5 I'm going to be done with everything, all the stretchings, the rehab, just sleep in, come back tomorrow, hit some balls. Kind of go to bed again.

http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/inter ... 10117.html

[Lucas]

Grigor Dimitrov 4-th round interview AO 17

Grigor Dimitrov def Denis Istomin 2-6 7-6(2) 6-2 6-1

Spoiler:

Q. A few weeks into 2017 and you already managed to reach goals that you missed in the past two years. How does it feel? What do you think clicked in in the off-season?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I mean, I've been on tour for about eight years now. I kind of know what I have to do. So, I mean, I haven't done anything different different in my off-season. I think I was just very, very composed, and I had a good structure with my team. We were focusing I think on the right things.

I've learned a lot of new things about myself, I think, starting to work with Dani, with my coach. It was just nice that he came at a good time, the end of last year. As soon as the off-season was on, it was just very simple. Had quite a few big talks. We discussed what we can do better, what we need to work on, what we need to improve, and how we want to be in 2017. I mean, simple as that.

Then, for sure, the belief after. I started believing a little bit more in myself. I started the year very well, winning in Brisbane, beating good guys.

So, yeah, I think that's about it. I mean, I feel good right now. In the same time also humbled with the results I have so far. But now you enter into a different phase of the tournament, so I'm just focused on that.

Q. You're playing for a spot in the semis against Goffin. Your thoughts about the match?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: It's going to be a tough match, for sure, without a doubt. David is an excellent player. In a way I know what to expect from him. We've practiced against each other a few times this off-season. And he's a very dangerous player.

I just need to be ready mentally and physically for the battle. Honestly, there's not much else you can say about that.

Q. It's one thing to have a good chance on paper. It's another thing to take it. How happy are you with the way you played today and what can happen next round?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I think first set I just didn't play well, and he came out too hot. He was just swinging for his shots, playing a lot of down the line, hitting his spots on the serve, so...

I mean, I knew I had to fight, that's for sure. I never wanted to underestimate him. He's an excellent player. Experienced, as well. I just needed to, you know, fight. I needed that one game to kind of get into the match and have that rhythm going.

Yeah, I mean, I was just happy with the win, for sure. I mean, I fought I think through that second set. Then the third, I was just playing very steady. I was doing the right things. In the fourth, I was just stepping in and absolutely playing my game to the point I was doing everything I wanted pretty much each game. So that gives you a lot of confidence.

Yeah, I was just excited to play again.

Q. Does the draw look like a good opportunity for you as a crack at a Grand Slam? Does it feel like it's a good opportunity because Novak isn't on this side anymore?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Obviously there's been a lot of talk going on around those two guys exiting the tournament, but, I mean, you should never look at it that way, the draw is open. What does that mean? I mean, just two guys are out of the draw. Okay, big deal.

For sure it's different. I'm not saying that it's not. But in the same time, we saw that everyone can beat everyone. If you follow your own path and the way you're playing, the belief that you have, anything can happen.

Right now I think it's just important to focus one match at a time, enjoy it, embrace it. I mean, I'm so thankful to be playing, like, all these matches on such a big courts. The crowd has been amazing.

So it's an unbelievable feeling. I'm not lying. I'm happy to be on that stage of a tournament. Quarterfinals of a slam, it's great. I'm happy that I'm capable to do that. Just looking forward to the next one.

Q. What is the toughest thing when you're playing David? That he's defending so well?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I think recently he's been serving really well, really well. He served his way out of trouble. I think this is, for sure, one of his biggest weapons I think right now. For sure, he's one of the greatest defenders out there.

I mean, that's what I'm saying. He's very dangerous all over the court. He can hit quite a few shots, moves well on the court, reads the game well.

It's going to be a tough match, there's no doubt about that. So as I said, I just need to focus on my game and just do my thing out there. This is what I'm going to be focusing on.

Q. In the US Open you made some popular famous quotes, which is you are falling in love with tennis. Can you talk about how it happened and how you feel now.
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Well, I fell in love with tennis many years ago. Yeah, it was just a time that I wasn't in I think a really good mental place. I was, I don't want say grumpy, but there were things going on around. I just needed to find that inspiration again. I needed to find that way of playing and enjoying again, loving again.

So my best friend was tennis, of course. 'The person,' I was counting on that. I was coming on the court. There was just days after days I was going through that momentum. That's why I said I fell in love with the game again. It gives me the excitement. It gives me all those butterflies every day coming out to a match.

I count those moments, and I appreciate them way more than actually some of the wins or anything like that. Like the moment makes you feel, like, that special feeling.

I can give you an example. Today, the second set meant a lot more than one of my previous matches here. Even though when you're not playing good, you're fighting, you're struggling with yourself, with the shots or the opponent. To be able to dig that match out in that way, you know, that count a lot for me.

Q. Talking about falling in love, do you think that falling in love with something else than tennis did delay a little bit your rise?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: What are you referring to (smiling)? Go ahead, say it to me. It's okay.

Q. When I was young, I did like very much the young girls. Sometimes I got distracted. So I'd like to know if you get distracted, too.
GRIGOR DIMITROV: You deserve the best answer now. Let me think about it (laughter). That was the greatest thing I've heard, man. Oh, wow.

I obviously have a soft spot for that. You know, on a serious note, I always try to keep whatever else outside the court. I think when I was younger, I was struggling to kind of differentiating love from a personal love or a tennis love or whatever else, for sure.

You know, there was time, a period, that I wasn't, like, kind of sure how to deal with both things in the same time. But you learn. I guess we grow. I mean, I don't want to say I've learned from my mistakes, but I've learned myself a little bit better. I think that helps me. Hopefully it's going to help me for the future through any kind of falling-in-love stuff. But yeah.

Q. Good luck.
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Thank you (smiling).

Q. In 2008 you played the Wimbledon junior final against Finnish player, Henri Kontinen? How happy were you to see him win the Barclays World Tour Finals in London?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: It's always nice to see a familiar face, especially when you're playing together pretty much forever. I actually played his brother once in Davis Cup. I think so, in one of those ties in Bulgaria, I played against him as well.

Henri is a great guy. We still talk about that final over there, the dropshot I did at 5-All or something. He was telling me. I don't even remember that stuff. Apparently it hurts him a lot.

It's always nice to see a fellow player kind of through the years just winning and becoming No. 1. I think winning the Masters is even more special. I'm sure he's happy with that one.

http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/inter ... 30117.html

[Lucas]

Grigor Dimitrov QF interview AO 17

Grigor Dimitrov def David Goffin 6-3 6-2 6-4

Spoiler:

Q. Did you think it was going to be as straightforward as that after the first four games?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: No, absolutely not. I mean, I knew David is going to fight till the end. I think the first four, five games were a bit tight from both ends. I was trying to find the right groove.

The conditions were a little bit tough today. It was a little bit windy on one side. You had to find your way around the court. Toss on the serve as well. There were just a few details that I felt I had to fix in a better way.

After the first set, I felt a little bit better, for sure. Then I felt I was in control of the match after that.

Q. You had a low period in the middle of last year. You're playing incredibly well now. Was there any one point you can look back on as the turning point in your fortunes?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: No, I don't think so. I don't think there was one particular moment where it was, Oh, wow, now I'm starting to play good again.

I think I just keep doing the things that I was doing, what I was believing in. But, again, I think I have to give a lot of credit to my team, especially to my coach, to Daniel, to my fitness guy Sebastien, and then the other people that were there for me at the tough time.

We kept on working. We kept on doing the right things. Yeah, I mean, I think that was one of my biggest supports. I don't want to forget my family. Those two components were really amazing.

I think that was it for me. I mean, I never felt that I was doing something wrong wrong. I just felt that I was not playing and practicing well, not doing the right things.

But, yeah, with the right set of people, things started to slowly move forward for me. Now I think I'm just in a good place.

Q. You're in another semifinal. You've only dropped a couple of sets for the tournament. What makes you feel like you're able to go one step further this time?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I mean, all the things. I feel like I have all the tools to go further, and my job isn't over yet. I'm looking forward to my match on Friday. I think I'm prepared. I think I'm ready to go the distance.

I don't shy away from that. I'm confident enough to say that I feel good physically, and overall like on the court. Just going forward with the confidence that I have built up also from the previous tournament. Now with each match I've been feeling better and better. It just all comes pretty natural right now.

Q. Can you describe in which specific ways you have matured on the court.
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I can't see myself obviously from the side. But I think I'm taking better decisions when I come out on the court, better decisions in terms of points or how I'm going to play certain players or how I'm going to prepare, for example, before my matches. Little things that are important for me in order to come to the court.

I think my focus has been good. The mentality has been there. I've been present when I'm playing my matches. Just fighting. I keep on fighting. I have a good spirit on the court, being positive.

There are obviously a lot of small things that when you put them up together it makes a big difference.

Q. Dani said you have a sweet exterior but you're a fighter, and he's trying to bring that out in you.
GRIGOR DIMITROV: What do you mean?

Q. Do you feel like you're fighting or competing differently on court now? Do you feel better in that sort of aspect?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Yeah, I mean, right now I'm enjoying the fight. That's for sure. I'm enjoying to run down every ball. I think also when you feel physically good and you feel well to kind of get into a match, I mean, that gives you a different perspective as soon as you get out on the court. Whoever you play, you know you're going to get your chance. That's already an advantage before you even step on the court.

But, yeah, it just pretty simple. Like I come on the court. I'm just happy to try to find a way, even if things are not going my way. Like the other day, the first set, I didn't have my racquet on the ball, so I had to find a way to do something else and something better. When I did, I'm just proud of that, that I did. Those kind of moments, as I said, they mean a lot more to me.

Q. Are you regretting your loss seven times out of eight to Nadal, but beat three times out of four Raonic? Is it an easy bet that you prefer one instead of the other?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: There's no easy bets here, my man. There's no easy bets out here.

Whoever I play, yeah, I don't really care.

Q. Not the slightest preference?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: In order to win a slam, there's no shortcut. If you think about it, I mean, when have you seen an easy semifinal or something like that? You got to work for it. Whoever I'm going to play, I have to fight, I have to be ready.

Q. Are you fully concentrated on that semifinal? Is there anybody that can distract you?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Nothing, nothing. Nothing is distracting me so far. I mean, I know what you're referring to, again.

But, no, no, everything is good. I'm enjoying a lot my downtime in Melbourne. I've been going out to the parks recently, so I'm staying away, out of trouble. As I said, I'm enjoying my time here. I'm enjoying coming out on the court. I'm going to enjoy other things maybe next week (smiling).

Q. You said things are simple for you now on court. What are the sort of things that used to make it complicated that you've been able to block out?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: On court?

Q. Yes, or off.
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I think I have straighter priorities right now. I know what I want from myself as soon as I come to a tournament. I know why I worked. I think also to have a nice and good schedule, to know what you're doing week after week. You know, you win a match, what's the next step? Whether it's rehab or to grab some food, to recover, these are the things that I've just been really focused on.

It's not to the point that I'm too crazy about it, but I feel like I'm doing the right things. I think that itself helps me to simplify everything around me.

Again, I think we all work really good as a team right now. I think we all got the goal, and that is to win.

Q. Years ago when Goran Ivanisevic started to win, some of the old Croatian media started to appear at the slams. Is something changing in the Bulgarian media? Are more people following you?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: So far, I mean, I haven't seen any major change, so to speak. Who knows.

Q. Do they show your matches on TV in Bulgaria?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Yes. I think mainly when you play on the bigger courts.

Q. The gap between juniors and making it at the top on the full tour seem to be getting longer at the moment. It's nearly 10 years now since you were a top junior. What have you had to learn in that intervening time to make you a regular on the top level?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: First of all, tennis has changed so much. I think my first time I played a professional match I think was against Tomas Berdych. I was 17 years old. Played in Rotterdam. I beat him that time. I had to play Rafa second round. He just came off from a win here. It went to a third set. I mean, I kind of thought like, Wow, I'm there.

I was nowhere to be close. I mean, it took me another two years to get to the top hundred and all that.

It's just there's so many things that are different than before. I wish I could give an example. I mean, but I see the juniors nowadays, a lot of kids, they're like 6'5", 6'4". They already have a tremendous advantage. They have the right people in terms of team. Some come with psychologists, fitness guys, a physio, this and that.

Personally I couldn't afford that till I was like 23 probably, 24. You just can't compare one thing to another. Again, tennis has changed so much. But for sure, I think you're going to see a lot of juniors doing good this year if not next, for the upcoming years.

http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/inter ... 50117.html

[Lucas]

Grigor Dimitrov SF interview AO 17

Rafael Nadal def Grigor Dimitrov 6-3 5-7 7-6(5) 6-7(4) 6-4

Spoiler:

Q. You've had a little bit of time to digest. What are your feelings after that epic match?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: It's never easy to lose a match like that. I'm happy, though, with a lot of things. I'm going to stay positive and keep my head up high.

For sure Rafa deserves pretty much all the credit right now since he's such a fighter, such a competitor. At the same time it was an honor for me to play a match like that against him. It also shows me that I'm in a good way, I'm on the right path.

Yeah, I'm just trying to take all the positives out of this month in Australia. I'm sure I'm going to look back at that match and see what I could have done better.

But at least one thing I can say is that I left it all out on the court. I'm proud of that. I'm proud of my team. Proud of my coach. Everyone that has taken care of me that month, it's been super intense. We can relax for a little bit now and get back to work.

Q. Even if you lost, has this been the most exciting match you have been involved in in your career?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I would rate it one of those ones. I think it's the first time actually I'm playing a match over four and a half hours. I don't know if I've played more than that. So it's great. It's so nice to be part of it. Unfortunately not the way I wanted things to be.

On the other side, I had a super experience with that player, in the face of Rafa. As I said, I mean, he really shows why he's Rafa today.

Q. He said he felt tired, some wariness in the fifth set. You looked fresh in the fifth set. Talk about how you stood up to him physically.
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Yeah, that's a good question. I felt good overall. Yeah, even if the fifth hour was passing by, I still felt that I had a lot of energy to go, which was nice for me.

Plus I've been staying up late, like, a lot of nights. I didn't feel sleepy or anything, which is a good sign. And physically it's been great. I'm just happy there was no cramping or anything like that, since I had quite a few notorious big cramps against him.

Yeah, I'm just happy that physically I was good. I felt that he was going, like, a little bit slower at some point. I mean, again, he's such an experienced player that he knew exactly what to do in those moments. I think that was the key. Especially the two breakpoints I had the fifth set. Even on the first one I felt I could have done maybe a little bit more with that shot, but I didn't really do it. Then he stepped in. I mean, this is what a great player does, you know, takes the momentum out of you. He did do an exceptional shot.

Yeah, but overall I'm very pleased with my fitness right now.

Q. You had three breakpoints.
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Early on.

Q. Don't you think you were a bit unlucky when you lost your serve because there was a net cord that helped him.
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Well, that's in the game. I cannot control the weather, the wind, the lines, let calls. It's just the way it is. I mean, I wish I could -- there's 10 other things I wish could have gone better for me in some of the sets, but it didn't.

Yeah, on that note there's not much else I can say, except I was just trying to focus on my game and what I was doing out on the court. It's as simple as that.

Q. How does the disappointment you're experiencing now compare to those in the past? Does the fact that you were so close tonight make it easier or harder?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I don't want to say -- for sure it's a disappointment to me, but I don't want to get too down on it because it's just my second Grand Slam semifinal. I'm building on that.

I'm sure I'm going to look back on that match. As I said, I'm going to see what I could have done better. That's also built up an experience. I really need to take the positives out of it.

I just don't want to put my head down for a second right now, especially when I'm feeling good, I'm competing great. Physically I'm getting there. Despite the disappointment, that's going to feed me, I think, for the upcoming events.

The one thing that's going to be hard for me the first three or four days, to really absorb that, like, Wow, I was so close. I need to appreciate it. At the same time I'm appreciating my run so far. It's been a great start of the year. It doesn't happen often that you come off from 10 matches in a row.

Yeah, in the same time I want to give myself a little bit of credit, just get on with it.

Q. Whatever the rankings may say, how well do you think you're playing at the moment? Top five, top eight?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I've never been a fan of those numbers. The game speaks for itself.

Q. Last year you beat him. He passed 30. He had tough games here. You played four and a half hours. 4-3, 40-15, five points from your first Grand Slam final, he comes up with big shots. Did you expect that?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Of course, it's what the greatest player do.

Q. Were you surprised how much you were able to dictate over the course of the match?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: No, I was not surprised at all because I had a clean game plan. I knew what I had to do. I knew what he would do, in a way. He changed the way he played against me I think last year, late last year in Beijing. He changed his pattern a little bit on his serve. I felt that right away.

But other than that, again, I was very focused on what I had to do. Whoever's on the other side, you know, they have their weapons, and you have your weapons. How the cards fall in the end, that's entirely up to the game.

Q. The Nadal-Federer rivalry is one of the greatest. You were in a position today to change history. Did that cross your mind at all that you could change history or create your own?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I mean, who doesn't want to create history, especially when we are in such a competitive sport. Of course, everyone is going to see that final now. Including me, I'm going to watch it for sure.

It's super amazing. It's great for the sport again. But, you know, during the match you don't think about that kind of stuff. For me, again, just focused on what I had to do. This is what I've been doing the past month.

Q. Players don't like to make predictions, but considering the surface and the situation of Federer and Nadal, do you see one of those two as a favorite?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: We've seen all kind of scenarios in the past when those two are playing. It's not a place for me to comment on that, to be honest. I just know that two of the greatest players of tennis are going to square off on Sunday, and it's going to be a freakin' amazing match.

Q. Does it feel any different than Wimbledon 2014 when you were in the semis?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: It felt familiar. I wasn't as nervous. I think Wimbledon, I was very nervous for a set and a half. I'm not going to lie. I was just nervous. Today I just woke up, Well, just another match, man. Like you're building up, and this is what my coach Daniel was telling me about. We were just trying to get on with the day, simple as that.

I think if you really aim higher and you expect more from yourself, you cannot allow yourself to think that way.

Q. You're not a big fan of stats, but did you ever lose a match with 79 winners?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I never looked at the stats, so I cannot answer that.

Q. You must have worked very hard to play the way you played tonight, so congratulations.
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Thank you. Thank you, guys. Appreciate it. Have a good one.

http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/news/inter ... 70117.html

[grzes430]

Dimitrov: "I'm On The Right Path"

Spoiler:

Bulgarian narrowly falls to Nadal in Australian Open classic
Despite a painful five-set loss to Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open semi-finals on Friday, Grigor Dimitrov is choosing to focus on the positives from his two weeks in Melbourne.
The No. 15 seed opened the year by reaching his second Grand Slam semi-final and first since Wimbledon 2014. Although he was mere games away from becoming the first Bulgarian man or woman to reach a Grand Slam final, Dimitrov said he was pleased he could sustain his top level of play against the Spaniard for more than four hours.
“It's never easy to lose a match like that. I'm happy, though, with a lot of things. I'm going to stay positive and keep my head up high,” said Dimitrov. “Rafa deserves all the credit right now since he's such a fighter, such a competitor. It was an honour for me to play a match like that against him. It also shows me that I'm on the right path.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Nadal Edges Dimitrov In A Thriller
After a dip in form that saw him at No. 40 in the Emirates ATP Rankings this past July, Dimitrov turned his form around in the second half of 2016 and has truly come alive this season. He won his first 10 matches this year, starting off 2017 by scoring three consecutive Top 10 wins (Dominic Thiem, Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori) to take the title in Brisbane. Dimitrov continued to take out higher-ranked opponents in Melbourne by scoring a convincing straight-sets victory over No. 11 seed David Goffin in the quarter-finals.
Now that he’s firmly back inside the Top 15, Dimitrov is determined not to get too down over his loss to Nadal and instead look to the long season ahead.
“The one thing that's going to be hard for me the first three or four days is to really absorb that, like, ‘Wow, I was so close,’” he admitted. “At the same time, I'm appreciating my run so far. It's been a great start to the year. It doesn't happen often that you come off from [winning] 10 matches in a row.
“I just don't want to put my head down for a second right now, especially when I'm feeling good,” he added. “I'm competing great. Physically, I'm getting there. Despite the disappointment, that's going to feed me for the upcoming events.”
It’s also clear that Dimitrov appreciates good tennis as much as any other fan of the sport. The Bulgarian said he would make it a point to watch Federer and Nadal add another layer to their historic rivalry in the championship match.
“Of course, everyone is going to see that final now, including me. I'm going to watch it for sure. It's super amazing and great for the sport,” said Dimitrov. “I just know that two of the greatest players of tennis are going to square off on Sunday and it's going to be an amazing match.”
Dimitrov's next ATP World Tour event will be in two weeks on home soil in Sofia.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/dim ... eaction-sf

[Lucas]

[DUN I LOVE]

Być może nalezy mieć względem Grigora większe oczekiwania, ale ma nadzieję, że intensywny styczeń nie pogrzebie jego szans podczas domowego turnieju w Sofii.

[Rroggerr]

Co Ty tak uwziąłeś się na tą Sofię.

[DUN I LOVE]

1) trzeba odhaczyć;
2) trzeba podbić licznik;

[Damian]

Dimitrov’s Homecoming In Sofia

Spoiler:

Bulgarian not blinking under the glare of national spotlight
Grigor Dimitrov is a man in demand this week at the Garanti Koza Sofia Open. A national hero even before the 2017 Australian Open, his status has only elevated after his exhilarating semi-final with Rafael Nadal in Melbourne. He has turned his whole nation into avid tennis fans.
It makes for perfect timing for a homecoming for the 25-year-old Dimitrov, who is set to play an ATP World Tour event in Bulgaria for the first time. It will be a nostalgic week for the right-hander, who will walk out to the support of 10,000 fans, including his nearest and dearest friends and family, for his first-round match on Thursday night.
“It's amazing,” Dimitrov told ATPWorldTour.com on Monday, following a practice session with top seed Dominic Thiem. “I think the last time I competed out here I was a junior, playing on the Futures on the clay courts. It's very special. I don't get the chance to come home often, so every time I'm here it's always pretty hectic. But what can I do? It's part of the game. No excuses. I'm here to play tennis,” added the Haskovo native, who was applauded into his pre-tournament press conference on Saturday before taking a selfie with the assembled media.
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"My family have always been by my side and supporting me throughout my career. Even when I'm not doing well they still think I'm the best! Nothing substitutes the love from your family. To play at home, in front of them, it's a feeling that you can only have as a player.”
Bulgaria came to a standstill as Dimitrov battled Nadal for five sets a week and a half ago on Rod Laver Arena. For a nation starved of a sporting icon since footballer Dimitar Berbatov played in the English Premier League, everyone was behind Dimitrov’s every shot. It was joked that the only Bulgarian at work that Friday was Dimitrov.
When asked his reaction to the level of interest, Dimitrov exclaimed, "I was excited! I actually asked myself that question (‘What was it like back home?’) and wished I could just have a peek at those kind of moments, even though I was performing. I honestly wished I could see it. I appreciate it. Bulgaria's a small country. We don't have that many sports right now and if I can bring that to the whole nation it's pretty amazing.”
Victory was so close for Dimitrov, who had come into Melbourne on a hot streak, winning the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp at the start of the season. But he couldn’t convert two break points in the eighth game of the fifth set, and Nadal eventually prevailed, denying Dimitrov the chance to play Roger Federer in Dimitrov's first Grand Slam final.
It was a long way from home for the young man who first started playing tennis against a wall when his mother handed him a racquet at the age of three. For someone who describes tennis as “my passion, my love, my work, my best friend,” defeat in Melbourne was difficult to digest.
"I think it was very tough for me,” said Dimitrov. “As soon as the match ended I was in tears in the locker room. I was replaying the match at least 20 times the same night. I slept about two hours. It was not really the most pleasant day after.
“But then I kind of realised that I got that far and I just had to get on with it. That's the next step. I don't want to discourage myself and I just need to keep my head high. Keep on working. Stay on the ground, stay humble and keep up the good work.”
Dimitrov is no stranger to pressure, having shouldered national and international expectation on the ATP World Tour throughout his career. It has only increased after Melbourne and as such, it is a steely eyed, calm, focused and determined Dimitrov who is prepared to take on a strong field in Sofia, featuring Thiem, David Goffin and defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut.
"I have to deal with the pressure, with the media, not disappointing at home. I'm aware of all these things and I'm just me. I'm going to do me. I'm going to give myself the best preparation that I can before my first match and hopefully everything unfolds on a positive note for me.”

http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/dim ... 17-preview

[grzes430]

Dimitrov’s Homecoming In Sofia

Spoiler:

Bulgarian not blinking under the glare of national spotlight
Grigor Dimitrov is a man in demand this week at the Garanti Koza Sofia Open. A national hero even before the 2017 Australian Open, his status has only elevated after his exhilarating semi-final with Rafael Nadal in Melbourne. He has turned his whole nation into avid tennis fans.
It makes for perfect timing for a homecoming for the 25-year-old Dimitrov, who is set to play an ATP World Tour event in Bulgaria for the first time. It will be a nostalgic week for the right-hander, who will walk out to the support of 10,000 fans, including his nearest and dearest friends and family, for his first-round match on Thursday night.
“It's amazing,” Dimitrov told ATPWorldTour.com on Monday, following a practice session with top seed Dominic Thiem. “I think the last time I competed out here I was a junior, playing on the Futures on the clay courts. It's very special. I don't get the chance to come home often, so every time I'm here it's always pretty hectic. But what can I do? It's part of the game. No excuses. I'm here to play tennis,” added the Haskovo native, who was applauded into his pre-tournament press conference on Saturday before taking a selfie with the assembled media.
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"My family have always been by my side and supporting me throughout my career. Even when I'm not doing well they still think I'm the best! Nothing substitutes the love from your family. To play at home, in front of them, it's a feeling that you can only have as a player.”
Bulgaria came to a standstill as Dimitrov battled Nadal for five sets a week and a half ago on Rod Laver Arena. For a nation starved of a sporting icon since footballer Dimitar Berbatov played in the English Premier League, everyone was behind Dimitrov’s every shot. It was joked that the only Bulgarian at work that Friday was Dimitrov.
When asked his reaction to the level of interest, Dimitrov exclaimed, "I was excited! I actually asked myself that question (‘What was it like back home?’) and wished I could just have a peek at those kind of moments, even though I was performing. I honestly wished I could see it. I appreciate it. Bulgaria's a small country. We don't have that many sports right now and if I can bring that to the whole nation it's pretty amazing.”
Victory was so close for Dimitrov, who had come into Melbourne on a hot streak, winning the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp at the start of the season. But he couldn’t convert two break points in the eighth game of the fifth set, and Nadal eventually prevailed, denying Dimitrov the chance to play Roger Federer in Dimitrov's first Grand Slam final.
It was a long way from home for the young man who first started playing tennis against a wall when his mother handed him a racquet at the age of three. For someone who describes tennis as “my passion, my love, my work, my best friend,” defeat in Melbourne was difficult to digest.
"I think it was very tough for me,” said Dimitrov. “As soon as the match ended I was in tears in the locker room. I was replaying the match at least 20 times the same night. I slept about two hours. It was not really the most pleasant day after.
“But then I kind of realised that I got that far and I just had to get on with it. That's the next step. I don't want to discourage myself and I just need to keep my head high. Keep on working. Stay on the ground, stay humble and keep up the good work.”
Dimitrov is no stranger to pressure, having shouldered national and international expectation on the ATP World Tour throughout his career. It has only increased after Melbourne and as such, it is a steely eyed, calm, focused and determined Dimitrov who is prepared to take on a strong field in Sofia, featuring Thiem, David Goffin and defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut.
"I have to deal with the pressure, with the media, not disappointing at home. I'm aware of all these things and I'm just me. I'm going to do me. I'm going to give myself the best preparation that I can before my first match and hopefully everything unfolds on a positive note for me.”

http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/dim ... 17-preview

[grzes430]

[Damian]

Dimitrov Stays Hot In Sofia

Spoiler:

Home favourite will meet Goffin in Sunday's final
David Goffin came back from a break down in the third set to knock out defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut on Saturday at the Garanti Koza Sofia Open in Bulgaria. The Belgian hit 12 aces and saved six of the 11 break points he faced to beat Bautista Agut 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(3) in two hours and 44 minutes.
Goffin fell behind 1-3 in the third set but rallied in a back-and-forth decider that featured six service breaks. The win is Goffin's first against Bautista Agut in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series. The Spaniard had been 2-0 against Goffin.
“It was a tough match, tough battle. I knew before that I had to fight against him because he's such a great fighter. I knew at the end I had to be offensive,” Goffin said.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Zverev Upsets Home Favourite In Montpellier
The 26-year-old Goffin will go for his third career title on Sunday and his first since 2014. He will face Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who needed only 64 minutes to dismiss Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 6-3. Dimitrov won 89 per cent of his first-serve points and saved all three break points faced.
The home favourite is going for his second title of the season. Dimitrov beat Kei Nishikori last month for the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp title.
Dimitrov leads his FedEx ATP Head2Head series against Goffin 2-0, including a quarter-final match last month at the Australian Open that Dimitrov won 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/gof ... 7-saturday

[Rroggerr]

#6) Sofia 2017


eurosport.com

R1 wolna runda
R2 [PR] Jerzy Janowicz (POL) 4-6 6-3 7-5
QF Viktor Troicki (SRB) 6-3 6-3
SF Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 6-1 6-3
W [2] David Goffin (BEL) 7-5 6-4

[Damian]

Dimitrov Rules On Home Soil

Spoiler:

The Australian Open semi-finalist has achieved a 14-1 match record so far this season
Home favourite Grigor Dimitrov continues to soar in 2017 having clinched the Garanti Koza Sofia Open title with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over David Goffin on Sunday.
It was an extra special week for Dimitrov, who was playing a first ATP World Tour event on home soil. His recent resurgence up the Emirates ATP Rankings, recovering from No. 40 in July 2016 to being on the cusp of the Top 10, has captivated the nation as fans flocked to support their countryman.
“This is my most prestigious title for sure, winning it at home is a tremendous success for me,” said the 25 year old, having secured the trophy with his mother watching on from court side. “I will treasure this title for the rest of my life, it’s something amazing for me."
Watch: A full match replay of the final
All week his matches have been eagerly watched by ardent local support and that was no different in the final with a 12,000-strong sold out capacity cheering him on. “The crowd has been absolutely magnificent throughout,” added Dimitrov. “I’m more than thankful for their support."
The Bulgarian opened his season by capturing a fifth ATP World Tour title in Brisbane, defeating three Top 10 opponents in a row, before continuing his stellar form in Sofia. The third seed had dropped just one service game all week ahead of the final and started against the World No. 11 in emphatic style.
A delicate drop volley ignited a break to surge 3-0 ahead before the Belgian restored parity. Dimitrov, the victor on both previous occasions against Goffin, was forced to save four break points in an eight-minute game at 4-4. The set seemed destined for a tie-break until Dimitrov forced Goffin into a wayward backhand to edge halfway towards the trophy. World No.13 Dimitrov once again earned a 3-0 lead and then made it six successive games with a blistering forehand cross court winner on the stretch.
Watch: Dimitrov Relishes Sofia Homecoming
Goffin was on the brink at 0-5 but was undeterred with some brave forays towards the net. He saved three match points, as Dimitrov’s double fault count reached nine, and managed to reduce his deficit to 4-5. However, the Bulgarian broke to be crowned champion at his home tournament.
“David is an extremely good player, I just had to focus and just be there in each point and each game. He’s one of the toughest competitors out there,” said the World No. 13. “I was 5-1 up and 40-0 up (2nd set) and I still couldn’t close it out. The way he played at the end was incredible. I’m going to have a lot of battles with this guy in the future.”
Despite missing out on a third ATP World Tour title, Goffin was satisified with another confidence-boosting tournament. “A really positive week, the beginning of the week was not easy, I couldn’t find my rhythm, but now I’ve played some good tennis,” said the Belgian. “It was a great week and really positive for the rest of the season.”

http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/dim ... 017-sunday

[DUN I LOVE]

14-1 w 2017. Od stycznia ugrał 50% tego, co udało mu się wygrać do końca sezonu 2016.

[Rroggerr]

W miesiąc ugrał więcej, niż przez 2,5 roku po semi Wimbledonu.

[Damian]

[Damian]

Auro Writes: Grigor Dimitrov’s return to top form

Spoiler:

Grigor Dimitrov has gotten off to a red-hot start in 2017, and he’s continued his incredible form in his home country at Sofia this week. Dimitrov is playing arguably as well as he ever has, and after his disappointing 2016 in which he didn’t win a title or make it past the fourth round at a major, he has a golden opportunity to eclipse his career-high No. 8 ranking.

After winning the title in Brisbane—upsetting Dominic Thiem, Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori along the way—and reaching his second career Grand Slam semifinal in Melbourne, the 25-year-old seemed primed for the inevitable letdown in the Garanti Koza Sofia Open.

Positives from the Aus. Open 2017 SF:

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Image result for Grigor Dimitrov australian open 2017

Nadal was at his best as he powered through the bottom half of the AO draw, battling past NextGenATP star Alexander Zverev in five sets in the fourth round, before taking care of Gael Monfils and Milos Raonic for the loss of just one set to reach the semi-finals.

His toughest test yet came in the form of Dimitrov, who opened 2017 on a 10-match winning streak, having captured his fifth ATP World Tour title in Brisbane (d. Nishikori), before taking advantage of Novak Djokovic’s exit from his section of the draw.

Dimitrov was bidding to capitalise on his strong run of form and improved mental fortitude to reach his first Grand Slam final. He pushed Nadal all the way in an exhilarating four-hour, 56-minute contest, in what was described as the “match of Dimitrov’s life”.



“IT WAS A FANTASTIC MATCH. VERY EMOTIONAL,” SAID NADAL. “I THINK GRIGOR PLAYED GREAT. I PLAYED GREAT. SO WAS A GREAT QUALITY OF TENNIS TONIGHT. I FEEL VERY HAPPY TO BE PART OF THIS MATCH. I SAID TO MYSELF, ‘I AM GIVING MY BEST, I AM PLAYING VERY WELL. IF I LOSE, THAT’S IT. GRIGOR DESERVES IT, TOO.’ I THINK BOTH OF US DESERVED TO BE IN THAT FINAL. IT WAS A GREAT FIGHT.”

Nadal on his incredible match against Dimitrov
Nadal came at Dimitrov with all his ferocity bu the Bulgarian just failed to go away, which is a break in Dimitrov’s pattern of imploding mentally when put in pressure situations especially when he’s down in the score.

Keeping it going at Sofia…

Image result for Grigor Dimitrov australian open 2017

Despite the relatively low stakes of the 250-level tournament and the pressure to live up to expectations as the star attraction, the Bulgarian has risen to the occasion and fought past a potential Australian Open hangover.

Seeded third behind Dominic Thiem and David Goffin, Dimitrov received a bye into the second round. He dropped the first set of his opening match to 267th-ranked Jerzy Janowicz, but recovered to win, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Seemingly settled in, he had an easier time on Friday, dispatching ninth-seeded Viktor Troicki in straight sets.

“This is pretty amazing to me,” Dimitrov said of playing in front of his home fans. “…Every time I’m here, it’s pretty hectic. But what can I do? It’s in the game: No excuses. I’m here to play tennis.”

The third seed needed just 64 minutes to dispatch Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1, 6-3 in their semi-final on Saturday.

“BEST START OF THE TOURNAMENT FOR ME. KEPT A SOLID GAME. TRIED TO BE AS COMPOSED AS I COULD… AND JUST USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT I CAN,” SAID DIMITROV. “I’M HAPPY TO BE AT HOME IN THE FINAL.”

Image result for Grigor Dimitrov sofia 2017

The Bulgarian improves to 13-1 this season and continues to arguably play as well as he ever has. After recovering from dropping the first set of his opening round match in Sofia against Jerzy Janowicz, Dimitrov has been producing his best tennis this week.

Awaiting him in the final is second seed David Goffin, who came back from a break down in the third set to knock out fourth seed and defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(3). Dimitrov leads his FedEx ATP Head2Head series against Goffin 2-0, including a quarter-final match last month at the Australian Open that Dimitrov won 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

“We played two weeks ago. I know what to expect from David again. He’s looking for revenge,” said Dimitrov.

If Dimitrov can keep this up, barring any injury, he can easily put in a Top 10 finish this season without too much trouble.

http://trolltennis.com/auro-writes-grig ... -top-form/

[Lucas]

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