Grigor Dimitrov is relishing his resurgence at Wimbledon but is wary of his next challenger who comes from a generation he describes as ‘more complete’ than ever before.
Dimitrov, who reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon back in 2014, produced some of his best tennis to emphatically dismiss world No.10 Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 6-3, 6-2, in a two-day clash that was started on Saturday before it was halted due to the rain. The 32-year-old Bulgarian produced a total of 33 winners against just 14 unforced errors without facing a single break point in the match. It is the third time this season he has beaten a top 10 player after Taylor Fritz and Hubert Hurkacz.
“It was a wonderful match. That’s all I can say on this,” a delighted Dimitrov said afterward.
“Yesterday I was playing good tennis and it was a little bit unfortunate to stop because usually when you stop it’s very hard to come back and do the same.’
“I just prepared the same way. I did all the right things. I tried to put myself in sort of the same state of mind that I was the day before.”
Dimitrov is a Wimbledon veteran with this year being the 15th anniversary of when he lifted the boy’s title. However, he has found it hard going in recent years. Before this week, he had failed to win back-to-back matches in his four previous appearances at SW19.
As to the reason for his revival on the grass, he puts it down to hard work. Earlier this season, he brought Daniel Vallverdú back into his team who is also known for his work with Stan Wawrinka.
“I think once I’m able to do a certain amount of work, a certain amount of days on court and in the gym, this gives me the right state of mind and a very good chance to win any match,” Dimitrov explained.
“I think also my confidence is increasing every time I’m able to do that.”
Danish rising star Holger Rune will be the next test for Dimitrov in the fourth round on Monday. Rune, who is 12 years younger than him, is among a group of youngsters portrayed as the next generation of men’s tennis. He has already won a Masters 1000 event and three other ATP titles.
The clash will be the first Tour meeting between the two in what can also be viewed as a battle of the generations. Dimitrov’s era includes the likes of Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Murray.
“I’ve gone through now four generations of different players. Each one of them had brought something very different,” Dimitrov reflected.
“The physicality of the generation has changed. If you think about it, all this sort of the younger generation they’re hitting the ball so big, are strong with their feet and have great serves. Overall they are moving well.’
“They already come in very completed (as a player). More so than my generation and even the one after me.”
The World No. 24 describes Rune as a ‘strong kid with quite a few good weapons.’ They have had practice sessions together in the past but are not too overly familiar with each other’s game styles.
“When I see the young generation I feel like, what else can they improve? Certain decision-making and all that, yes, but that comes also with experience.” He added.
This year is Dimitrov’s 13th main draw appearance at Wimbledon.
