‘Being pain free and enjoying life has helped my tennis at Indian Wells,’ says Grigor Dimitrov


‘Being pain free and enjoying life has helped my tennis at Indian Wells,’ says Grigor Dimitrov

Grigor Dimitrov

World No.28 Grigor Dimitrov has been a surprise package at the ongoing BNP Paribas Open. The Bulgarian came into the tournament with no realistic chance of going deep into the draw, but he has raised quite a few eyebrows with his scintillating tennis.

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Although Dimitrov has previously won the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati (2017) and the World Tour Finals in London (2017), he has never been a consistent player on the ATP tour.

Given the prodigious talent of Dimitrov, he was also lovingly labelled as the “Baby Fed”. Unfortunately, the 30-year-old has not been able to living up to the billing in all these years.

That said, the former World No.3 is enjoying his time in Indian Wells this year. Not only has Dimitrov reached the semis in the Californian desert, by he has also beaten big names Hubert Hurkacz and newly crowned US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, along the way.

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Speaking on court, post his quarterfinal victory in three sets over the Pole, Dimitrov explained how remaining injury free has helped him play with confidence. “I am trying to get back to a good rhythm of tennis and living and being pain free with my body,” Dimitrov said.

“Waking up and feeling my body is there gives me confidence, let alone winning matches. I am really focused on enjoying my everyday life to be honest.

Dimitrov further added that not thinking about the game, with an odd distraction has helped him play his best tennis at Indian Wells.

“I am really trying not to focus on winning or losing or anything like that. Everyday when I get onto the court, I know why I am here, I know what I am doing and when the job’s done, move onto the next thing, like distracting yourself a bit. That’s been working for me.

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Dimitrov to lock horns with Norrie

Cameron Norrie and Grigor Dimitrov
Cameron Norrie and Grigor Dimitrov

Interestingly, the Bulgarian player will only be playing his first Masters semifinal for 2021, but with a win over Hurkacz in the quarters, Dimitrov has now collected 100 victories at the Masters 1000 level.

Dimitrov will next take on Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the semifinals of Indian Wells. The two have already clashed in the round of 64, earlier in the year at the Miami Masters, where Norrie won in straight sets.

Also read: ‘The fire still burns in him’: Just a matter of time before Andy Murray scripts a title win