Grigor Dimitrov Feels the Same Way as Novak Djokovic: “A Part of Me Left with Roger and Rafa”

Grigor Dimitrov was seen in action during the Denmark versus Bulgaria World Group I tie. He played two singles matches, winning the first one by defeating Elmer Moeller in three sets and losing the next to Holger Rune.

Denmark, also the home team, went on to win the tie 3-2, thanks to Rune’s victory over Iliyan Radulov and Dimitrov, and Moeller’s win over Radulov. In Hillerod, Dimitrov sat for an interview with SplilXperten, where he talked about getting older as a player and said he has distanced himself from the tour because part of him left with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Novak Djokovic has time and again said the same after Nadal’s retirement at the 2024 Davis Cup.

I don’t even know everyone on the tour now. We can laugh about it, but it’s a bit sad. I feel the same as Novak; a part of me left with Roger and Rafa. Absolutely. We actually had that talk with Novak, where we talked about the challenges and the obstacles back in the day- you know, that era of tennis.

After Nadal’s retirement, many felt that one of the reasons why the Serb was struggling to win titles was because he felt a sense of emptiness. Djokovic also admitted that his motivation levels dropped after the 22-time Grand Slam champion hung up his racket.

Without disrespecting any players, that era will always be the most challenging that I have ever had to face. I was not only the chaser, but I was trying to conquer the most massive players all the time. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to fulfill the older you get. It sucks.

Grigor Dimitrov added

Before the Davis Cup, Dimitrov competed at the US Open, where he lost to Alexei Popyrin in four sets in the opening round after playing the qualifying rounds. He will next be seen in action at the Saint Tropez Challenger, where he will compete as the sixth seed and will face Edas Butvilas in the first round.

Novak Djokovic claims Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner copied his style of tennis

Novak Djokovic was last seen in action at the US Open. In what was the first shocking result of the tournament, Djokovic suffered a five-set defeat at the hands of Mariano Navone in the first round. He will next be competing at the China Open, which starts on September 30. The 39-year-old will be participating in the ATP 500 event in Beijing for the first time since 2015.

In New York, Carlos Alcaraz made his comeback after a four-month injury hiatus after he injured his wrist during the Barcelona Open. Jannik Sinner didn’t play because of a knee injury.

This is why many thought it was a great opportunity for Nole to finally end his Grand Slam title drought. But since that didn’t happen, he’ll continue his hunt for his 25th Major next year. Also, during an interview with comedian Kevin Hart on Cold as Balls, Djokovic claimed Sinner and Alcaraz copied his style of tennis.

Look, I think, for anybody that follows tennis, Sinner and Alcaraz. You know, you guys know how they play, right? You know their styles? Who do they resemble?

Hart said, “You. I’m dead serious. You.” Then Djokovic responded with:

So, for me, that’s the greatest compliment. If I was able to create an impact, I’m happy because that’s the whole point.

It's getting chilly 🥶😂

Djokovic guest stars on Kevin Hart's "Cold as Balls" tomorrow 🧊@NetflixIsAJoke @DjokerNole @KevinHart4real pic.twitter.com/fRRIRtLwH2

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) September 19, 2026

Sinner will be returning to the tour at the China Open and will compete as the defending champion. He beat Learner Tien last year. Alcaraz will next play the Laver Cup.

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