Saturday, 30 August 2014
Friday, 29 August 2014
Grigor has booked his place in the third round at the US Open with a comfortable 6-1 6-2 6-2 win over Dudi Sela this evening.
The seventh seed looked the stronger of the two players from the start at Flushing Meadows, getting an early break in the first set, and taking less than half an hour to wrap up the opener.
The Israeli reduced his errors in the second set, and even managed to get a break back against the Bulgarian, but lost his serve in the following game as Dimitrov raced to a two sets lead.
Sela continued to struggle to test his opponent during his service games in the third set, allowing Dimitrov to wrap up the match in less than 90 minutes.
Dimitrov will face either David Goffin in the next round.
"We've played quite a few times and I know he can be tricky," said Dimitrov. "I thought I played really composed tennis out there."
Rasheed on Twitter : ''Gave these guys a pep talk after Grigors match and they gave me 20 of these #elite ''
Thursday, 28 August 2014
Inspired by the rebels of tennis's past, today's greats keep the NikeCourt flame lit by playing captivating tennis filled with attitude and confidence. For the new guard, tennis is 24-7-365. NikeCourt produces footwear and apparel for on and off-court to help athletes seamlessly transition between the two.
Grigor Dimitrov didn't become No. 8 in the world by accident. Since the age of three, when the young Bulgarian swung his first racquet, Dimitrov has fought tirelessly to become a world-class player. He follows in the footsteps of tennis legends like Andre Agassi and John McEnroe, who have made a lasting impression on the game thanks to their unique attitude and playing styles. Equally important is the balance between his time on and off the court. Neither is completely autonomous of the other and a disruption in one could derail the other. In the build up to the biggest tennis competition in the U.S., Dimitrov sat down to discuss life as a pro, what's in his closet and how he balances competitive and off-court priorities.
What do you think NikeCourt represents? How does it feel to be included in an elite group filled with tennis legends?
Grigor: NikeCourt is something new. I think it represents a new era of tennis, which is inspired by key moments in the sport's heritage. It draws its energy from some of the most iconic guys out there such as Agassi, Nastase and McEnroe. I think it's about being rebellious. I consider myself a pretty rebellious guy on and off the court, and I think it is that spirit that connects NikeCourt today to what took place years ago. It's been an amazing journey for me. Being a part of Nike is a truly unique feeling. Being a part of NikeCourt really makes me feel like a strong individual. To me it is the highest ranking I could receive. To be able to represent Nike, as a brand is one thing, but to also represent the great players that came before me means a lot.
How does your mentality away from the court affect the way you approach your game?
Grigor: I'm a pretty straight-up person in general. On the court I'm aggressive, and obviously trying to play on my terms. I always try to come up with something new, something no one else is doing or expecting. Doing that is all about confidence, and when I come out I'm always fresh and feeling great. I think that definitely adds to the attitude and mentality needed on the court.
How important is it to be confident during matches? Does that translate into other life situations?
Grigor: Sometimes confidence is everything. You may not be playing your best tennis or having your best match, sometimes it's just not your day; the important thing is to believe in yourself, which starts with being confident in your abilities. When you step on that court, the only things that matter are you and your game. I do what feels right. Off the court I am pretty laid-back and spontaneous, I never have to think about what I want to do, it's a feeling that I go with. When it comes to the court, things are more focused and the goal is to win. I become much more focused on the task at hand but I try and always feel comfortable in my movements and decisions.
Define your style of play. Are there any similarities to how you live during your free time?
Grigor: Different. I have a different mentality when I'm on the court than anyone else. I think I’m pretty athletic and I attempt some flashy shots, but I try and keep that to a minimum. My coach is always on me about that. It's hard for me to say there are any concrete similarities, but I will say that my free time is never planned or scheduled. Much like my playing style, every day is different. I try and do whatever I want with my free time, I think having control of what you do is really important. It is about being able to express yourself as you see fit. I've always been this way on or off the court. Basically, I try and stay true to my abilities and myself and that translates to better play and a better life.
Are you into sneakers? If so what are your favorite pair?
Grigor: Well, I've got over 50 pairs of sneakers so it's a very tough call for me to name only one. Obviously, with the range that Nike has to offer, it has been a bit of a fairytale for me. My go-tos are definitely the Air Force 1s, without a doubt.
nikeinc.com
Today on vogue.com appeared interview with Grigor for Vogue !
Twenty-three-year-old Bulgarian sensation Grigor Dimitrov may very well be tennis’s next Andre Agassi—and not just because of his potential to reside amongst the greats, though that’s certainly the buzz at this year’s U.S. Open, especially given the youngster’s induction into the ATP Rankings’ top ten earlier this summer.
Rather, like Agassi before him, Dimitrov is proving to be quite the sartorial scene-stealer (check out Vogue’s September issue for proof). “Who could beat Andre’s denim shorts?” says the six-foot-three-inch athlete with a smile, sequestered away in an anteroom at Niketown, Nike’s retail-cum-experiential complex in midtown Manhattan. He’s in town to help launch the company’s new Court collection, a performance line that, Dimitrov says, brings a little “rebelliousness” back to the hardtop. Vogue.com was lucky enough to snag a few minutes with him, during which we chatted not only about his personal style leanings (by the way, stay tuned for some potentially surprising brand favorites), but also about New York’s unlikely sedative effect, a secret love of a certain fast-food chain, and swapping valuable fashion tips with girlfriend Maria Sharapova.
Tell me a little bit about your on-court style. Do you have a good-luck color, for example?
I would like to say you always make your own luck, especially when you go out on court! I like strong colors, though—red and black, for example. I also like to play around with colors. I believe that if you feel good and if you look good when you’re playing, it can give you the extra edge that you might need. If you look good, it brings confidence. I was ironing my stuff at Wimbledon before every match!
With Nike as your apparel and footwear sponsor, you guys have just unveiled a new line, Court. Tell us what it’s all about.
Well, it’s inspired by previous athletes who were with Nike: Agassi, John McEnroe—it has this rebellious feeling. I think this spirit was just a little bit forgotten of late, but we’re trying to bring it back. Especially so with the younger players out there. That being said, Court matches really well with my personality, which I’m thankful for, as Nike and I talked about the concept from the beginning. They’re extremely supportive of me—the best outfits, the best gear. It’s an honor.
Do you have a go-to, off-court outfit?
For me, I like that, how do you say, bohemian sort of look. Baggy sweaters to really fitted pants—I love Rick Owens’s stuff, for example. I am really into that kind of grungy style. It’s very Los Angeles, but I’ve always liked this aesthetic, since before I moved there.
Do you have a favorite watch or shoe? Tell me about your accessories game. I see that rose-gold Cartier Love bracelet. . . .
Well . . . I am always wearing a bracelet, necklace, and watch. I don’t even care if they don’t match. And it’s hard to pick just one favorite.
Boxers or Briefs?
Briefs! All the way.
Do you share style tips with Maria?
We talk about it. Lying down, one is reading the magazine, one is with the iPad, we say, “What do you think of this or that?” I appreciate her input. I love the way she dresses. (Check out Sharapova in this chic Marc Jacobs dress at last week’s CFDA event in NYC.)
Do you have any tennis style icons?
I would say Andre Agassi. Who could beat those denim shorts? To me, he brought out a trend and owned it. I’ve gotten to know him pretty well . . . he’s extraordinary. Really fun guy. Outside of tennis, I just love Johnny Depp’s style.
Is there anything you’d never wear?
Socks and sandals.
That’s trendy right now!
Hell, no! No, I am not doing that.
OK, enough fashion. Tell us something unexpected. Something that no one knows.
I love In-N-Out Burger. It’s my go-to meal.
In New York, what are you looking forward too outside of Flushing Meadows, now that you’re here?
I love getting out and about in this city. . . .
Favorite restaurant, for example?
Maria picks all of them—she’s really good with that. But for me, I like to go to Central Park. I like shopping, so Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, all those guys are right there. Perfect for me. And in a greater sense, it’s that mystery of walking around, getting lost in the city. I appreciate doing this a lot nowadays, especially with my busy schedule. It’s good to get away from the crowd, in a new crowd.
vogue.com
Grigor won his first match yesterday on the courts of New York, beating in round 1 Ryan Harrison 6-2,7-6,6-2.
Dimitrov also beat Harrison in straight sets two months ago in his Wimbledon opener, en route to the semi-finals. On Wednesday, he converted five of his 13 break point chances and hit 37 winners this claim victory in just over two hours.
The 23 year old is enjoying a career-best season, winning three titles on as many surfaces. He reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final at the Australian Open and broke into the Top 10 of the Emirates ATP Rankings Help Us Wimbledon.
In round 2 the Bulgarian face of Dudi Sela.
Grigor said after the victory: ''I have high expectations for myself''
While his girlfriend Maria Sharapova labored mightily next door in front of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, Dimitrov experienced no such difficulties.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Article by Vogue.
All Eyes Are On Grigor Dimitrov.
Ordering a tomato-and-avocado omelette at a café in L.A.’s Manhattan Beach, the tanned, square-jawed young man across the table could easily be taken for another protein-chasing Hollywood hopeful. But this is Grigor Dimitrov, one of tennis’s brightest new stars, Maria Sharapova’s boyfriend, and perhaps the biggest story going into this month’s U.S. Open.
Ten days earlier, the Bulgarian-born 23-year-old dismantled defending British champion Andy Murray in straight sets at Wimbledon—in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, no less—before meeting number-one seed Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. (Big-serving 23-year-old Canadian player Milos Raonic, the other young gun in the semifinals, folded against Roger Federer.) With bravura court coverage and flexibility, Dimitrov then pushed the famously fit Serbian to two tiebreaks in four tight sets. Forced to defend three set points in the fourth-set tiebreak, Djokovic let fly audible growls of frustration before pulling through to take the match.
“I was playing against a future star,” Djokovic said afterward. It was the first time Dimitrov had broken into the top ten (he’s now at nine), and the only time a Bulgarian had played in a men’s Grand Slam semifinal. (In a surge of national pride, he was named “an honorary citizen of Varna.”)
“I was hungry to win that match,” Dimitrov says, in a Burberry T-shirt and Rick Owens shorts, a Cartier bracelet on his forearm. “Losing the tiebreak was tough. If I had taken that fourth set, I think I could have turned things around. But obviously it wasn’t meant to happen at that time.” That it will happen for Dimitrov seems more a question of when than if. “I think we’re seeing a bit of a seismic shift,” says ESPN commentator Brad Gilbert.
“All the younger guys want to see somebody of their own generation win a Slam, and I think Dimitrov is the closest. He’s a tremendous all-rounder.”
“All the younger guys want to see somebody of their own generation win a Slam, and I think Dimitrov is the closest. He’s a tremendous all-rounder.”
The only child of a tennis coach and a gym teacher, Dimitrov picked up a racket at three in his southern hometown of Haskovo, and never wanted to do anything else. Seeing his potential, his father coached him until age sixteen; Dimitrov moved to Ojai, Barcelona, then Paris. “I knew that I wanted to go big,” Dimitrov says. As the World No. 1 junior player, he won the boys’ singles titles at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2008. Transitioning fully to the pros at eighteen, though, was a challenge: “I couldn’t put it together for some reason. The other players were just mentally better.”
Dimitrov credits his recent turnaround to Roger Rasheed, a former Australian Rules football player who’s worked with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Lleyton Hewitt. “What was there was raw talent,” says Dimitrov’s new coach. “But he was going to matches with a lot of artillery and not knowing how to use it.” Since they joined forces in October, the general view is that Dimitrov has undergone a transformation—as have his stats. He’s won three ATP titles on three surfaces so far this year.
When he’s not on the tour, Dimitrov lives in Manhattan Beach with Sharapova, his girlfriend of two years. The couple, who he says try not to talk shop at home and find it tense to watch each other play, are just back from a five-day break in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, his second vacation ever. “I’m bad at going on vacation,” he admits. “But I needed it this time. I was so tired.” Dimitrov first saw Sharapova when he was fourteen and she played Lindsay Davenport at the Staples Center. “She is very strong-minded and knows what she wants,” he says admiringly. “It’s why she’s the best at what she does.” How did they get together? “I was the initiator, pretty much,” he admits. “I sent her a funny email and she replied, and back and forth, and that was it.” Like Sharapova’s, Dimitrov’s ambitions extend beyond tennis. He hopes one day to give back to his home country—“I appreciate where I come from,” he says. “I never forget.” He lights up when talking about Rick Owens, Rag & Bone, and Public School, and would love to work on a fashion collaboration: “I’ve always felt that’s something I’m capable of doing—setting up a trend.” In the meantime, he’s enjoying what his hard work has yielded. Compliment his TAG Heuer (a gift from Maria), and he’ll tell you excitedly about his growing watch collection. And mention the rumor he’s got a thing for nice cars, and he’ll suggest you check out the one he has parked outside.
Which is how, fifteen minutes later, I find myself riding shotgun, strapped down by a fire-red seat belt in Dimitrov’s new silver Mercedes SLS with scissor doors. “I’m a guy; it gives me joy,” he says, shrugging and grinning. On the main thoroughfare, Dimitrov guns it; I grip the seat. “Have you been pulled over?” I ask. “No, but I’m sure I will. I like the adrenaline to kick in. It’s too dangerous for me right now, but I like extreme sports a lot.” His revved-up boyishness reminds me of something his friend and fellow pro Tommy Haas points out. “He’s still this young kid who is coming up and getting to experience all of these unbelievable things,” says Haas. “He’s got that aura about him.”
“Where did you park?” Dimitrov asks. “I’ll drop you off.” I respond with something vague because today, I decide, is not the day the heir apparent of men’s tennis is going to meet my Subaru. Dimitrov is heading back to practice, getting ready for tournaments in Washington, D.C., Cincinnati, and Toronto, though his eye remains firmly on the big prize.
“I think mental preparation is really important,” he says. “Every day you’ve got to imagine your goal. And my goal is to really do damage at the U.S. Open.”
Grigor start battling the US Open on Wednesday.
23-year-old Haskovo under No 7 in the main event, he meets 22-year-old American Ryan Harrison. opponent is 184 in the world rankings. The match will start no earlier 00.00 hours local time Wednesday to Thursday announced on the official website of the competition.
The meeting is the last day of the second highest court US Open -. 'Louis Armstrong Stadium "In the only match between two previously defeated Grigor Harrison 7:6 (1), 6:3, 6:2 this year in the first round in another tournament" Grand Slam "-". Wimbledon''.
In the past few days in Bulgarian newspapers appeared in two articles about the Bulgarian people and his girlfriend Maria Sharapova.
The first article was published in late July.
Steffi Graf : Their relationship is such that between me and Agassi.
The winner of 22 Grand Slam titles Steffi Graf spoke about the relationship of our Grigor Dimitrov of Russian tennis diva Maria Sharapova. According to the former German No 1 both much reminded her and her husband Andre Agassi.
"Mary and Gregory are world-class athletes. Both carry the charisma of the great masters, but their relationship is something amazing. They look in love," said a great player, quoted by "Meridian Match".
Graf Mary and Gregory compared the earlier period of his relationship with the great Agassi. "With Andre was alone. Though then he was already a big star. Had several calls star behind. Both, however, is love and continues today. Believe that Mary and Gregory will still be together for many years. They are really amazing members" concluded Graf.
2 article appeared yesterday
Powerful offers Bulgaria Grigor Dimitrov received, the sources said Blitz. However, they are not related to sports and politics. As you know, on October 5 elections. To this end, representatives of several parties to do everything possible to contact Grisham and invite him to his face. The idea was Haskova face lit hundreds of billboards in the country something more - some insisted Grigor Dimitrov participate in films that are still flood our TV screens and the Internet.
Grisham, however tactfully refused, declaring that there is no intention tied up by someone else. No 8 tennis player in the world, announced that it is apolitical and does not sympathize with any of the parties. I quite politely, adding that he wants to succeed all the choices, and his dream is to one - Bulgaria finally back on his feet. "where they searched him.
Calling especially my father because Grigor two months ago changed his cell phone number. however, some of the advertising departments sides failed to learn a new one. He did not raise them, although they are soldered him a message.
Grigor is clear - not politics . Just watch tennis, Maria Sharapova and nothing more. boy for life has improved, and rarely stagnant in Bulgaria. course he wants things to stabilize the country, but it is not going to be the face of this or that party, "said close to the best player in throughout our history. And when they turn away from politics, Grisham does everything possible to please his beloved Masha. Blitz learned that Gregory asked his mother Mary back on the sleeves and start cooking chutney.
Delicious home, which is a traditional element of the native cuisine, almost like Sharapova. Russian claimed that nowhere in the world you can not find delicious things to eat. To refer to a daughter in law, mother of Gregory prepared dozens of jars of chutney. Even that, due to the unique food, half her son will do well on the upcoming US Open tennis.
US Open will start early next week - August 25, and Maria Sharapova will attempt to repeat the success of 2006, when the European champion Masha in New York, beating the final Belgian Justine Henin 6: 4, 6: 4. Grisham will try to present a high level of big slams, having earlier fallen in Cincinnati a few days ago.
His relatives have shown that the main reason for his poor performance last time was ridiculous shame. Gregory received a slight hamstring strain, while with Sharapova exercises. "What a joke. Claimed that Grisham can do the splits. This angered him. But while stretching the legs is becoming a problem. Fortunately, it's nothing serious.
However, the pain does not stop during the tournament and our boy fell at the start of a tall, strong, but unknown Pole. It is now well and all his fingers crossed to get the most far away in New York, "the hope of the environment of our best tennis player, who earned pretty enough bank account. His victory prize money already exceeded ... $ 4,000,000. Or, more precisely - The specific amount is $ 4,165,307 American! "Just a year ago there were about money Grisham 1,000,000. 365 days, so very swollen. It is alive and well. Do not steal them, or have not won gambling", Grigor Dimitrov protect your closest friends. revealed that their Grisham has identified a powerful engine that makes only professional athletes. But the exact make and model remains a mystery.
Grigor is obsessed with sports cars and many say that while he was not moved today to throw tennis competitions. It is said that Dimitrov will get several thousand green beast. He was born May 16, 1991 Haskovo preparation and "modest" gifts of mother and father. Grisham will probably buy an apartment in Sofia, where they can remain in their short stay in the capital. Dimitar Gospodinov his father and his mother Mary did not want to abandon Haskovo. He preferred to live in a small town, I loved the hustle and asylum. But Gregory kept them happy with Sofia house to hang permanently in hotels. Grisham recently made a gesture and grandmother and grandfather. I sent them money for drugs, like old men barely managed to high prices our very low pensions.
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
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