TENNIS WIMBLEDON 2014 – 25th of June. G. Dimitrov d. L. Saville 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. An interview with Grigor Dimitrov
Q. Do you feel you’re playing particularly well this year?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Yeah, I think at that point I’m having a good results and I’ve been quite healthy and successful on all the surfaces. So it feels natural to me to come and compete on that level.
In the same time I feel really excited. So that brings even more to the game. Of course, to my confidence. I’m looking forward to every match.
Q. You may not know, but when Boris Becker won Queen’s, he was almost unknown, he won Wimbledon a few weeks later. He was paid 16b#1 by the bookmakers, exactly like you. Is that a good omen?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Well, I hope (smiling). What else can I say about that?
Of course it’s a great feeling to come play a tournament with odds like that, I’m sure. I got to take each match at a time. Especially nowadays I think the level of everyone is quite high, everyone is playing a great tennis.
You just have to be really optimistic, as well. It’s not just what the odds are and how you do everything else. But I just feel comfortable at the moment and, of course, happy with the title I got at Queen’s.
But I’m here, and I’m here for the long haul, so yeah.
Q. How much of an influence has your coach been? He works you very hard, doesn’t he?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Yeah, Roger’s been next to me ever since we started working together. I think we’ve put a tremendous amount of work throughout all the months. Especially in the off-season, when we really needed to step on the gas and create a solid base for the year ahead, I think we found a good combination on and off the court.
So basically, you know, we clicked. It’s something that I think we have just a good relationship. We’re finding our way around pretty good so far.
Q. What does he put you through?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: A lot of work. A lot of weights. You know, he’s a very tough but fair man in the end of the day. And I love to work. I mean, I love to give everything from myself every day. You know, on occasions when I can go 110% every day, it’s a good base to have.
Q. What have you learned from the type of competitor and worker she is?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Well, I mean, I think you can learn a lot in a way. But I think in the end it’s not about what I’m going to learn from her. It’s about what I want to learn from myself and for the game. That’s to me in a way more valuable because I’m competing in that sport and I want to be at my best.
I’m trying to find all the ways possible on my own. Of course, it’s great to have a surrounding and support like hers.
Q. For nine years there’s been a virtual roadblock to major championships with four guys. What is it like for a guy trying to break in and join that group?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: In a way it’s nice to see, but in the same time I think it pushes you to the limits of your work. I know we all want to break through. I think especially the younger generation, we all want to push through those slams and start winning a few, which I believe it’s around the corner for any one of us.
Of course, it’s not the easiest thing to see. But I think at the same time it pushes you to work harder and to appreciate things in a different way.
Q. You have to play Dolgopolov next round. You both are very talented. When you have to play a player who is very talented, do you fear him more than someone who is more consistent, that is always playing at his level, or not? Does it create new problems to you?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: In a way I don’t need to fear anyone. I don’t fear from opponents in that order.
But I think I always focus on my game. I know what to expect from my opponent. Obviously I’ve played couple of times against him.
To me it’s nothing new. I don’t want to get out of my way because it’s a different opponent or he’s talented or anything like that. I think a lot of players out there are talented. We all know how he can play and compete.
I think I’m just focusing on my game at the moment.
Q. You said before about being honored to play on Centre Court. Besides the prestige of Wimbledon, is there particularly anything special about the tournament? What gives you sort of goosebumps when you come here?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Well, tennis started here basically. I think it’s just a lot of tradition. The week before you walk on the grounds, you see how everything is lined up in a perfect way.
I think it’s just a special feeling for everyone. I think you kind of embrace it as soon as you step on the grounds.
Again, coming on that Centre Court was just definitely something to remember. How many people can say, you know, I walked on Centre Court and played a match? That’s pretty awesome, I think.
Q. The British fans are pretty excited about Andy Murray. You could be facing him in the quarterfinals. Can you allow yourself to look that far ahead?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I can but I don’t want to (smiling).
Q. Would it be an exciting challenge for you?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: Of course. Of course. That’s why I’m playing that game. That’s why I’m competing, is to get into that phase of a tournament and play against an opponent like that. I mean, what’s better than that?
Q. Speaking of Andy Murray, we were speaking a moment ago about the big four. When you think about that group and the way they’ve played, what do you learn from them and appreciate most?
GRIGOR DIMITROV: I think you can learn a lot in general, I mean, watching those matches. Especially them going through those early rounds, the way they’re preparing. I think it’s just the surroundings, you can learn a lot from them.
But I think I’ve reached the point that I don’t need to follow or copy anyone or look into anyone. I’m all focused on myself and what I do in order to get there and be able to compete on the same level as them.
