Grigor Dimitrov is enjoying the best time of his career, having won the Cincinnati Open by beating the erratic Nick Kyrgios. He seems mentally and physically fit and is ready to slash open the door that he has been knocking on for some time now.
This is Dimitrov’s first ATP Masters 1000 and he believes that this win could provide the ‘rejuvenation’ that he has been longing for, for so long.
Dimitrov spoke about how he felt the weight of the world when he was serving for the match at 6-5, hoping to just put the ball back in the court.
“I barely lift my arm to serve and the ball was like, bottom of the net. I was, ‘That’s not good, Grigor. You need to do more.’
“Moments like that, it’s so different, like, there is just so many things are going through your head. You don’t even think about the win. That’s the problem. I wish I was thinking, ‘oh wow, great, I’m going to have the trophy’ or something. You think of, like, ‘God, I just need to put the ball in the court.’ It’s so simple, but the weight of your shoulder and your arm, it just multiplies by a lot.” Dimitrov said.
He then went onto compliment Kyrgios, who according to Dimitrov can hurt you from any part of the court.
“That’s what keeps you on your toes pretty much the whole time. Even if he’s not playing well, there is still, like, weapons and certain plays that he can go to. You know, you have to be aware of that.” Dimitrov said.
Dimitrov is hopeful of learning a lot from the big 4 and was nostalgic(and thankful) of the time he spent with Rafael Nadal in his academy, training in the day and relaxing in the evening.
“I mean, to me, he’s always been one of my inspirations. Sometimes when I’m down in the match, if I’m complaining or something, I was like, ‘Would Rafa do that? I don’t think so.’
“The week I spent with him was just pretty amazing. Just to spend time with him, not even on the court. Even off the court. We were having dinners together and just going to the beach and stuff.
“So it was great. In the same time, like the first half morning, we’re just practicing nonstop. I swear to God, nonstop from the early morning. I was like, ‘Whoa, can we have at least the afternoon off?’”
Dimitrov is hopeful of spending such quality time with Rafa again, and who knows, another week in Mallorca could result in a grand slam title for Dimitrov.
Dimitrov then spoke about his ‘long hug’ with Kyrgios at the net after the match, as to how he was just helping a friend out, giving him some advice in time of need.
“I was there, I guess, and he shared [some things that were on his mind.] I mean, all I can think of is just help a friend out, not even a colleague at the time. I just said what I thought, and I guess I might have helped him. Thank God today I did not (laughs), but, I mean, on the court there’s a difference, for sure, a different kind of talk. But off the court, we are all just regular people who just happen to be good at tennis.” Dimitrov said.
He them emphasised on the fact that he is extremely focussed on the tour at the moment, hoping to get the desired results by giving his 100% on court, every time.
“I’m aiming to just get better every single day, to give 100% for myself when I get out there on the court. Last, but not least, just not to disappoint my team and just work. This is just my opportunity right now. And again, how everything else will unfold, I can’t tell you.” Dimitrov concluded
