Newly crowned Western and Southern Open champion Grigor Dimitrov has paid tribute to Rafael Nadal following his win at the tournament.
The Bulgarian world No.9 defeated Nick Kyrgios in straight sets to claim his first Masters 1000 title. Shortly after his victory, a reflective Dimitrov described Nadal as one of the ‘inspirations’ in his tennis career. A fitting tribute to the Spaniard, who has risen to the world No.1 for the first since since 2014 this week.
“To me, he’s always been one of my inspirations. Sometimes when I’m down in the match, I’m, like, if I’m complaining or something, I was, like, Would Rafa do that? I don’t think so.” Said Dimitrov.
Earlier in the year Dimitrov travelled to Mallorca to train alongside the ten-time French Open champion at the Rafael Nadal Academy. It was a opportunity that he relished, describing the experience as ‘amazing.’
“The week I spent with him was just pretty amazing. Just to spend time with him, not even on the court. Even off the court. We were having dinners together and just going to the beach and stuff.” Dimitrov explained.
“The first half morning, we’re just practicing nonstop. I swear to God, nonstop from the early morning. I was, like, Whoa, can we have at least the afternoon off? I was more than thankful for him letting me have that opportunity. You don’t get opportunities like that.”
“I think there is only positive things I can take out of that week with him.” He later added.
Dimitrov has played Nadal nine times on the tour, losing in eight of those matches. His sole victory occurred at the 2016 Beijing Open when he defeated the Spaniard in straight sets.
Following his recent triumph in Cincinnati, the 26-year-old finds himself at his highest ranking since September 2014. Heading into the US Open, Dimitrov has won a total of three ATP titles this season. His win-loss record this year currently stands at 29-14.
