Grigor Dimitrov: “Lucky to Play Against the Big Four”
Grigor Dimitrov, former World No.3, has expressed his gratitude for having played the majority of his career in an era dominated by the tennis giants Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. Despite the challenges posed by these Grand Slam champions, Dimitrov stated that he wouldn’t change a thing about it.
In an interview on Friday night in Miami, Dimitrov was asked if he felt unlucky to have faced these formidable opponents during his prime. Surprisingly, he responded, “Totally the opposite, actually. Very lucky.” He further explained, “How often can you say that you played in an era against the best players and you have beaten them all?”
Dimitrov admitted that their absence from the circuit saddened him more than their presence ever did. He said, “Personally, not having these guys around, it’s a little sad. I don’t want to play them, don’t get me wrong, at the moment, but it’s kind of sad. I love watching them play. I love competing against them, and you can always learn something.”
Reflecting on his numerous matches against the Big Four, Dimitrov acknowledged that these experiences shaped him mentally and influenced him to approach his career differently. He added, “I think throughout the years I have had so many quarterfinal matches and third-, fourth-round matches where I had to play against them. But that also maybe shaped me to have that mental toughness and to do certain things differently at that point in my career, like them.”
Dimitrov’s sentiments echo those of Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, and Murray, who have often emphasized the beneficial impact of regularly facing such formidable opponents. Playing against the Big Four has helped them elevate their games to even higher levels.
Dimitrov also highlighted the diverse qualities possessed by each member of the Big Four and acknowledged their pioneering role in shaping modern tennis. He said, “You can certainly learn a lot from each one, very different. I think each one had a very different way of doing things, but each one of them had amazing qualities. I think in a way they are the pioneers of tennis for us. I think overall, to have players like that with such diversity, Novak is still playing and Andy, as well, but to really see that is I think going to be a little bit more rare.”
In conclusion, Grigor Dimitrov expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete against the Big Four, emphasizing the invaluable lessons he learned from these legendary players. Despite the challenges they presented, he considers himself fortunate to have played in an era alongside such remarkable talents.
Fonte foto: Getty Images
