“That’s not going to happen,” Grigor Dimitrov’s reaction to Rafael Nadal’s injury is not just a show of concern, but championing sportsmanship

Grigor Dimitrov wishes Rafael Nadal a speedy recovery and hopes to see him for the clay season.

“That’s not going to happen,” Grigor Dimitrov’s reaction to Rafael Nadal’s injury is not just a show of concern, but championing sportsmanship

Rafael Nadal and Grigor Dimitrov (via Imago)

2024 began with a bang as high-level tennis stars battled against each other to win the first ATP title of the year. The Brisbane International throned its new champion Grigor Dimitrov after he beat the young Holger Rune in a highly electrifying match. 

The champion was Mic’d up by the Brisbane Press where he also expressed his genuine concern and sympathy towards Rafael Nadal who had earlier withdrawn from the Australian Open. The Spaniard struggled during his quarterfinals match against Jordan Thompson and later on revealed that he suffered from a small micro-tear on a muscle, near the site of injury. Due to this, the 37-year-old had to hit pause on his dream comeback and will resume it when fully fit. The Bulgarian said when informed about Nadal:

Yeah, that sucks.
Grigor Dimitrov on Rafael Nadal’s micro-tear
YouTube video

He went on to wish Nadal a speedy recovery and also revealed that he was set to play a practice match against the 37-year-old ahead of the Australian Open which won’t be possible now. A very concerned and sympathetic Dimitrov then said to the Brisbane Press:

FS Video
I watched him practice a few times here. I always like watching him play regardless whether it's a practice or a match. I mean, for sure that's disappointing. Much more to him than anybody else. I was really looking forward to that.
Grigor Dimitrov added

Grigor Dimitrov hoping to see the ‘King of Clay’ back in action during the clay season

After a heartbreaking withdrawal from the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal headed back to Spain for his treatment hoping to be back soon enough.

Grigor Dimitrov
Grigor Dimitrov (Via Sky Sports)

With the clay season as the next tour after Australia, many people are hoping to see the ‘King Of Clay’ back in action including Grigor Dimitrov. During the press meet in Brisbane, the Bulgarian wished Nadal a speedy recovery and hopes to see him back for the clay season. Furthermore, he hilariously adds that even if it’s no fun playing, he can never get bored of watching Nadal on a clay court. 

Nonetheless, the Brisbane International champion resumed practice ahead of the Australian Open. Dimitrov, who entered professional tennis known as ‘Baby Federer’ for backhand similarities, hasn’t won a title since 2017 and this tournament marked his 7th title of his career. With immense confidence behind him, the Bulgarian gears up for the Grand Slam which features all the current stars of tennis. The tournament set to begin on the 14th of January already started its qualifying rounds as players try their best to make it to the main draw of the Open.

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