Grigor Dimitrov has established himself in the top 10 of the world rankings this season. The Bulgarian was already there for a short time in 2014, but his coach Dani Valverdu helped him to a more consistent game and an ease with which Dimitrov wants to place you at the top of the world.
“Like the rest of my team, Vallverdu has played a major role in my development,”said Dimitrov on the fringes of the ATP finals,”Without them I wouldn’t be who I am today,” and Dimitrov is considered one of the players who reveal most about their current sentiment in public.
These days Dimitrov tells a lot about his happy moments. A situation that looked quite different in the early summer of 2016: After his third first-round defeat at the French Open in series, Dimitrov spoke of feeling increasingly insecure on the pitch. His performance slump was frightening.
Shortly afterwards, Dimitrov decided to work with Vallverdu, a Venezuelan citizen. The relationship seems to be working, the two of them understand each other brilliantly, as Dimitrov notes:”A good team is the basis for everything. If the team spirit is good, nothing’s more important.”
After two victories over Dominic Thiem and David Goffin, the sixth in the world rankings has already secured the semi-finals in his first appearance in London. Another success in a year in which he celebrated his greatest triumph to date with his victory at the Masters-1000 in Cincinnati. The uncertainties and fears that accompanied Dimitrov last year have vanished.
“It was about fighting with my demons to become more consistent again,”Dimitrov describes his inner struggle against Sport360:”There was a time when I got to know myself much better, learned a lot about tennis and life in general. It helped me enjoy everything a little more. Every defeat hurts a lot more, but I enjoy every victory all the more.”
Gone are the days when Dimitrov was completely frustrated when he destroyed thugs on the course. He started the season with an impressive record of 16-1 victories. During this run, he won the Brisbane and Sofia tournaments and also made it to the semi-finals at the Australian Open, where he was defeated by Rafael Nadal after a tough fight.
Dimitrov is a good friend of the Spaniard, they even spent a little time in Mallorca during the season:”We trained hard, but off the course we had a lot of fun, went out for dinner or took a boat ride. We were a bit like two little kids, I think these moments are special for both of us.”
Of course, they also remembered the match at the Australian Open:”It hurt a little bit. He (Nadal, note) only meant’ Oh come on, forget it!’ but how can I forget this game? She’s unforgettable!”
Dimitrov also made it clear, however, that the good relationship with Nadal is put aside when they compete on the tennis court:”Whatever we do in our spare time is good and beautiful. But when we duel, our dogged side comes out. I don’t mean to say we hate each other, but we both want to win.”
In London, after Nadal’s withdrawal due to injury, there will be no further duel between the two. Dimitrov has already secured victory in Group Pete Sampras and will thus meet Boris Becker’s second. Currently Alexander Zverev is on this course, who has to prepare himself for an opponent in top form in the event of a semi-final draw. He’s got a little challenge ahead of him,”I think the best is yet to come.”