Dubbed ‘Baby Federer’, Grigor Dimitrov calls his comparisons to Roger Federer ‘Irrelevant’
Dimitrov does not wants to be compared with anyone as he feels it adds more pressure.
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Dimitrov and Federer
The Bulgarian star, Grigor Dimitrov opens up recently on being compared with the tennis great, Roger Federer. From early on in his career, Dimitrov was dubbed “Baby Federer” because of the striking similarities between his playing style and that of the Swiss legend, including their similar serve and use of a single-handed backhand. At first, the 31-year-old may have enjoyed it but eventually, he began to feel burdened by it.
He was ultimately content to shed this weight by transitioning to different playing styles. Before his professional debut in 2008, Dimitrov had already made waves in his junior career, achieving the title of World No. 1 at that time. In 2013, he went on to make history by becoming the first Bulgarian man to win the Stockholm Open. Additionally, in 2017 he claimed the prestigious ATP Finals title, which propelled him to his career-high ranking of World No. 3.
Speaking to We Are Tennis, Dimitrov said, “In fact, it must be a good example for any young player who arrives. No one should ever carry such a burden on their name. I’m telling you. It was, I think, one of the most irrelevant comparisons in my eyes, in my opinion, and in everyone’s. What I’m happiest about is making a name for myself.”
Although Dimitrov admires Federer, he wanted to make his own mark rather than being compared to some player. He further emphasized that these comparisons only bring undue pressure on young players and hamper their game.
Related: Carlos Alcaraz makes a last-minute withdrawal from Acapulco Open as injury woes return
Grigor Dimitrov has mixed 2023 season so far
The Bulgarian had high hopes coming into this year after a series of early exits in the end of 2022. He did play well in the Australian Open too until the third round where he faced, Novak Djokovic and lost to him in straight sets.
However, the 31-year-old hasn’t given up yet and took part in the ATP Rotterdam next. He had a fantastic run in the tournament and reached the semi-finals but lost to Daniil Medvedev. Nevertheless, wins over Alex de Minaur, and Hubert Hurkacz would definitely give him confidence. He also took part in the men’s doubles in this tournament but lost in the quarterfinals.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t replicate his Rotterdam performance in the Open 13 tournament and lost to Bublik in the quarterfinals. However, the Bulgarian will be playing next in the upcoming Indian Wells 2023.
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Santhosh Tenneti
(308 Articles Published)