Wednesday 28 January 2015

Dimitrov : ''Thank You for support''

After Monday's dinner in the company of his girlfriend Maria Sharapova (tomorrow will play in the semifinals) and the team, Grigor flew from Melbourne to prepare in peace for the tournament in Rotterdam, which will begin on February 9th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grigor Dimitrov finished this year's participation in the second round of the Australian Open, where he outplayed 4-6 7-6 (5) 3-6 5-7 by world №6 Andy Murray. Despite the loss, the Bulgarian is determined to quickly return to training and will remain in Melbourne until the end of the tournament to support his girlfriend Maria Sharapova.

"I loved every moment I spent in Australia! Thank you all for the support! Time to fly home! #backtowork #getbetter '' Wrote Grigor on twitter.

 

Sunday 25 January 2015

Dimitrov vs Murray round 4 , Australian Open (photos)


















Interview with Grigor after match against Murray

Q. Did you feel like you were a bit jinxed at the end?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: Jinxed or not, when you play a match like that, you don't actually think about anything. I'm not going to hide my disappointment. I'm pissed.



Q. That was a bad call on the serve, the one that had to be replayed?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: I guess when it comes to moments like that, everything is in the game. Obviously it was supposed to happen that way.



Q. Murray said it came down to a bit of luck. Is that your view, or do you feel there are other things you could have done?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: You mean me playing my game?



Q. Yes.

GRIGOR DIMITROV: Of course. I mean, if you lose you obviously haven't done some things right. You know, I'm happy that I competed at a good level and it takes a player like Andy to beat me like that. You know, I'm just disappointed because it's not the result that I wanted. For sure I could have done things better, some things better.



Q. You were leading 5-2 and it was deuce. You hit a forehand on the line. The line judge called it wide. Murray's shot was wide. Do you think that was a breaking point of the match?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: No. I don't think this is a breaking point. Especially when it comes to points like that, you don't think about it. You just want to focus for the next shot, for the next point. I mean, I thought it was just a weird call because he actually played the ball and the ball went out, and then I don't know. I don't even remember anymore, so... It's in the past.



Q. The level of the match seemed good. You both played well. Does that give you any kind of satisfaction?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: Well, I think this is what is expected, to come out there and play a match like that. Satisfaction? That's very hard to say. I mean, that's hard to say. You know, it's also good for me to see what I did good, what I can do better next time. I think Andy played a really high level throughout the whole match. Not going to hide that. I mean, that I could have done things better? Yes, I could have at certain moments, but that doesn't justify the match.



Q. Do you think he played well enough to go much deeper in the tournament? Do you see him as a strong favorite now?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: I think only the upcoming matches would show that. I say it's still early in the tournament. Even though it's quarterfinals, the next rounds, anything can happen. I mean, if you play, if you compete, the odds are on your side.



Q. Do you feel you should have taken more risks in the match or are you happy with the way it went?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: No, I don't think I should have done anything different. I had a clear game plan and I knew what I wanted to do. I was actually pretty relaxed. And coming out there on the court, I just felt that I've played matches on this kind of court before, I knew the opponent, and so in a way I was really composed with the way I wanted to play and what I wanted to do on the court. As I said, you know, you always can do something better. But taking risk or not, it's a whole other story.



Q. Do you feel Andy really stepped it up in the fourth set when you were 5-2 up?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I thought he returned really good today. My serve wasn't at the level that I wanted. I think that sort of made the biggest difference. If you think about it, it was just one break. You never have a guarantee that, you know, you're going to win the set. I mean, Andy's a great returner, so you always got to pick your spots pretty good. If not, you know he's going to get the ball back. Of course, that puts a little bit more pressure on your side.



Dimitrov lost in 4 round in Australian Open

Grigor Dimitrov vs Andy Murray 4-6, 7-6, 3-6, 5-7


Andy Murray has avenged defeat to his Wimbledon conqueror Grigor Dimitrov, holding off the Bulgarian to advance to an Australian Open quarterfinal showdown with Nick Kyrgios.

The sixth-seeded Scot and three-time Melbourne runner-up survived a pulsating struggle of momentum shifts in a 6-4 6-7(5) 6-3 7-5 victory on the back of 42 winners on Sunday night.

Despite letting the second set slip after serving for it, Murray returned the favour when the Bulgarian was serving to take the match into a fifth set.

Murray sealed the match when his forehand clipped the net cord and dropped dead for a winner.

“I think I got quite lucky at the end. A few net cords went my way. A lot of the games even in the fourth set … the momentum was switching a few times,” Murray said.

“Grigor’s an unbelievable athlete and extremely quick around the court. He’s got fantastic hands as well. I’m just glad I managed to get through in the end.”



Saturday 24 January 2015

Photos from Australian Open :)


































Murray vs Dimitrov : draw our logo - #socialshow 


Schedule of play on Sunday in Australian Open

ROD LAVER ARENA


WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 4 , 11am

Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) [7] vs. Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU)


WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 4

Shuai Peng (CHN) [21] vs. Maria Sharapova (RUS) [2]


NOT BEFORE: 2:00PM
MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 4

Kevin Anderson (RSA) [14] vs. Rafael Nadal (ESP) [3]



7:00PM

ROD LAVER ARENA


WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 4

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) vs. Simona Halep (ROU) [3]


MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 4

Andy Murray (GBR) [6] vs Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) [10]


Friday 23 January 2015

Dimitrov vs Baghdatis , Photos , 3 round Australian Open






























Grigor's coach Roger Rasheed on twitter : '' Proud of for turning things around today & finishing strong. We look forward to the next challenge in front of us-can't wait ''

Grigor: ''Victory in matches like this with Baghdatis are of paramount importance''


Q. Reward for the physical work you've been putting in?
 
Grigor DIMITROV: Yeah. Where should I start from? Tough game. I mean, obviously it was a tough game for me. Did not really feel comfortable on the court. Thought Marcos was playing tennis dominating early on in the match. I was not really able to turn things around as fast as I wanted to. I felt quite good physically, which was I think the best sign for me today. I'm not going to hide my excitement of winning the match because it meant a lot to me. To be able to play three and a half hours and win 6-3 in the fifth and feelin really good after the match physically, that says a lot for me. Just getting ready for the next one.

Q. A couple days ago you called Maria the greatest fighter ever. What about the match today, the fight that you 'Showed?

 
Grigor DIMITROV: I just said matches like that I think really Defines who you are and how you want to be, I do not know, remembered, your nickname, whatever you guys want to call it. I just feel like that That matches, it's really important to win, even if it's not on your best days. I think this is how you go forward. Today was one of Those days for me, that I did not really feel good on the court, was not really comfortable with my game, but I found a way to fight through it two sets they down. It's me that says a lot. In the same time, gives me a lot of confidence.

Q. Do you think 18 months ago, two years ago, you might have let That match it?

 
Grigor DIMITROV: Let it go (smiling)? I'm sure I would not perform that way, that's for sure. But, you know, I think that's in the past. I'm happy that I've worked my way through That stage and that I'm going to be better from now on.

Q. Why do you think you were not feeling comfortable today?

 
Grigor DIMITROV: Because it's not every day you wake up in the morning and you feel 100% to play tennis, you know. Especially on days like that, it's really important to keep your sanity, you know, give what you got, play with what you have. So to me was just one of Those days That pretty much nothing was going my way. But the only thing I had was like my composure, my physicality That really came through in the fifth set. I thought I played smart when I had to. I think that made a lot of big difference, Especially in his game. I thought he was performing really well. I thought he played a really good tennis. So I just had to come up with some extra stuff from me, and I think I did.

Q. Did you have some issues shoe? You switched two or three times.

 
Grigor DIMITROV: Yeah, but it's all in the frame. I think I finished the match with shoes on my feet, so that's good. Yeah, I have enough to finish the tournament with.

Q. Andy took the first set 6-1. If it's going to be him in the next round, how much do you look forward to That matchup?

 
Grigor DIMITROV: Well, it's a great matchup for me. I'm always excited to play against him. You know, I had a tough loss against him in Paris. So, you know, it's a good matchup. I always like that kind of challenge. I think physically and mentally I'm ready to play That match and really give 100% from myself. I'm going out there to win the match. So there's nothing else I can say about it.

Q. Do you look at your Wimbledon quarterfinal as maybe the best match you played at a slam so far?
Grigor DIMITROV: Maybe. I would say maybe. But I do not really think so. It Just Happened That for me on day to really play good. I thought I played really good on That Day. I use every single mistake he did That. I'm sure if I play him in the next round he's going to be really focused and Composed and wants it to everything to stop me. In the same time, I'm feeling really ready, and I like my chances every time I go out on the court. So I think it's going to be a great matchup.

Q. Are you expecting a different Murray from That Day? He was very flat on That Day.
Grigor DIMITROV: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I think you hardly ever see the top players like to feel really flat early on in the match. I think it's a different scenario this time. I think he has a lot to look forward to. I think adding up the new team, I think it's all fresh. I think it's going to give him a bit more excitement is compete, which I'm certainly aware of. But in the same time, I feel that I'm pretty stable around me as well. I think the only thing I can do is get out there and play my tennis.

Q. It was twice last year. Was there anything you did PARTICULARLY That both matches that you 'think you will come to the forefront?
Grigor DIMITROV: Played only once at a Grand Slam. As I said, just that day, it was not him out there on the court. I think we all know that. I think all the other matches have always been close against him. We always had good battles. We know how we play, so there's no secrets out on the court, Which is in a way a nice to have. At least you know what to expect. I think it's going to come down to Those kind of little moments That we can use.

Q. You gave a passionate salute to your box today. How Roger has helped you on days like today?
Grigor DIMITROV: I thought I was really calm and Composed Throughout the match today. I think this is what I really needed today. I could not really push myself even more. But deep down I knew what I had to do. I knew what I wanted from my team also, that cheer me up in a Certain Way. I mean, I'm sure they believed in me Throughout the whole match, so I knew I had Their backup. In the end, I just really pulled it through in a manner that I wanted to. You know, it's all teamwork.

Q. What you said about Maria the other day, did she have anything to say about your praise?
Grigor DIMITROV: You should ask her about that (smiling).

Q. The atmosphere was charged on Show Court 3 with all the cheering. Did you feel strong support from your fans? Did that help you?
Grigor DIMITROV: Always. You know, it's always. But Marcos has always been a favorite guy out here. Of course, the crowd was cheering that's in the game, and you just got to embrace it. I like it. I mean, I like it when ya wanna the atmosphere is like that. Actually fills me up with a positive thoughts. At the same time it's nice to prove someone wrong.

Q. Gives you something to hit against?
Grigor DIMITROV: I wish I could have hit the ball in some other direction, but that's not the case. I also think Those kind of matches really help you through mentally. I think I also played quite a few matches, Davis Cup matches, that got me through Situations like that. For me it was not something new that I was discovering, but in the same time it felt kind of nice.

Q. You and Andy still good friends?
Grigor DIMITROV: I think we RESPECT each other. We say hi to each other. No hard feelings.
When you get to the court, everything's changing, right?



 

Grigor Dimitrov in round 4 in Australian Open!

Grigor Dimitrov battled past an inspired Marcos Baghdatis to book his spot in the fourth round with a scrappy 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-3 result – a victory posing more questions than answers ahead of the No.10 seed’s showdown with Andy Murray.  

It was a far from convincing performance from the 23-year-old, who admitted to feeling flat coming into the match.  

“It’s not every day you wake up in the morning and you feel 100 per cent to play tennis,” he admitted, but took heart from the way he hunkered down in the fourth and fifth sets as the cat-and-mouse nature of the contest caught up with his fading opponent.  

“Matches like that, it's really important to win, even if it's not on your best days. I think this is how you go forward. Today was one of those days for me, that I didn't really feel good on the court, wasn't really comfortable with my game, but I found a way to fight through it [from] two sets to one down. To me that says a lot, gives me a lot of confidence.” 

Hisense Arena may be open to general admission fans in 2015, but Show Court 3, in the shadows of Margaret Court Arena, remains the people’s court. From Thanasi Kokkinakis high-fiving every front-row fan after beating Ernests Gulbis on Monday night to Nick Kyrgios crowd-sourcing his return strategy against Ivo Karlovic on Wednesday, the intimate bowl is proving to be the hottest non-ticket in town.  

Walking past the court on Friday afternoon, you could be forgiven for thinking a soccer match had broken out. Bulgarian, Greek and Cypriot fans were in fine voice from the warm-up to the handshakes on a picture-perfect day at Melbourne Park.  

Can it really be nine years since Baghdatis barnstormed his way to the Australian Open final? Rather than push for a place at one of the Australian Open Series events, the world No.77 headed to Happy Valley, Adelaide, for a Challenger event. He may have collected just $4240 for reaching the final, but the court time has proved invaluable. 

The 29-year-old was every bit the equal of Dimitrov in the opening set, making just three unforced errors and outgunning the No.10 seed, 13 winners to seven. With the Bulgarian struggling to find his range Baghdatis snatched a break in game nine, serving out the set to love.  

The Cypriot’s ball-striking abilities have rarely been in question – but it’s another story when it comes to his fitness. The trainer was out to deal with his hip as he trailed in the second, Dimitrov having stepped up the aggression to run his opponent into the ground.   

With Roger Rasheed in his corner, Dimitrov is now a bona fide elite athlete – but something in the Bulgarian’s game was misfiring, and a couple of shoe changes weren’t the answer. A prolific shot-maker, he appeared flat and nervous, snatching at his shots rather than stroking them and bemused by his inability to keep the ball away from Baghdatis.   

It proved costly for Dimitrov in the third. Once again the Cypriot produced some inspired tennis to break at the business end and served out the set to the delight of the vocal majority around the court, but the world No.10 found a way to a decider after grabbing an early break and weathering another couple of ordinary service games.  

A solitary break had settled each set, so when Dimitrov pumped his fist after grabbing an early break in the fifth the end seemed nigh for Baghdatis, whose game became more ragged with each passing point.   

The writing was on the wall when the Cypriot slipped 0-40 down at 5-3, and though he saved two match points a forehand error handed Dimitrov the third and place in the fourth round. No.6 seed Andy Murray awaits, with Dimitrov expecting a response following his impressive Wimbledon quarterfinal win over the Scot last year. 

“I think it's a different scenario this time,” Dimitrov said. “I think he has a lot to look forward to, adding up the new team, it's all fresh. It's going to give him a bit more excitement to compete, which I'm certainly aware of. But in the same time, I feel that I'm pretty stable around me as well. I think the only thing I can do is get out there and play my tennis.” 

With a little luck, his head and his feet will be in a better place by then, too. 

Dimitrov rallies to beat Baghdatis in 5 sets. Now standing in his way (potentially) of his 1st major are Murray, Federer, Nadal & Djokovic.






Grigor Dimitrov celebrates his win over Baghdatis 
video: http://t.co/C235WL6zak 


by ausopen. com

Thursday 22 January 2015

Djokovic again №1 in the poll for Sportsman of the Balkans, Grigor Dimitrov sixth .

A leader in the world ranking tennis Novak Djokovic was named " Sportsman of the Balkans" for the year 2014 in the 42 edition of the survey of the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency. The best Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov , who is the only representative of his country in the top 10 , finished sixth . 


In traditional consultation was attended by national agencies in the region - BTA (Bulgaria ) , ANA -MPA (Greece ) Adjerpress (Romania), Anadolu Agency ( Turkey) , Tanjug (Serbia) MINA (Montenegro ) , MIA (Macedonia) HINA (Croatia ) , FENA (Bosnia and Herzegovina ) and ATA ( Albania).





Outright in 42 studies BTA " Sportsman of the Balkans" by 2014 : 

1. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) - Tennis - 91 points 
2. Marin Cilic  ( Croatia) - Tennis - 51 points 
3. Simona Halep (Romania) - Tennis - 50 points 
4. Sandra Perkovic (Croatia) - Athletics - 39 points 
5. Arda Turan ( Turkey) - football - 27 points 
6. Grigor Dimitrov ( Bulgaria) - Tennis - 24 points
7. Milos Teodosic (Serbia) - basketball - 23 points 
8. Luka Modric (Croatia) - football - 20 points 
9. Filipidis Konstantinos (Greece) - Athletics - 19 points 
10. Katarina BULATOVIC (Montenegro) - Handball - 18 points



Schedule of play, friday,  


SHOW COURT 3 , 11am

MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3

Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) vs. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) [10]

Wednesday 21 January 2015

NOW PLAYING: Grigor Dimitrov interview (2R) Grigor Dimitrov speaks about his second round win over Lukas Lacko at Australian Open 2015.

Video : http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/video/index.html?id=cayvjfjrd5inc2nvcdj9c6hny9gsbpln



Interview with Dimitrov about match and Maria :)


Q. Would you mind talking about what men's rivalry has been sort of the most impressionable on you, whether it's coming up or now, in men's tennis?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: Whew, I don't know. Personally for me, I haven't felt that there's a rivalry at the moment to play against one player over and over again. I mean, obviously, so to speak, the younger generation, the younger guys are really pushing through and winning rounds. If you can call that a rivalry, maybe that's the way it is. But, you know, so far in a way it's early in the tournament to say that. In general, the year just began. Let it unfold a little bit before we jump into any conclusion.

Q. What about for you when you were younger? Were you a tennis fan growing up when you were a kid?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: Well, I'm not that young anymore if you think about it, but definitely growing up of course I had idols. I've looked up to a lot of players, following their success, their path. But I think now all that is behind me. I'm doing my own personality in my own way. So I think that's good.

Q. Have you been surprised by Lukas Lacko? He played a solid game today.

GRIGOR DIMITROV: I know him well enough. I think we've played once or twice before. Can be a dangerous player. I mean, of course he's playing pretty flat. He moves all around the court pretty well. He played a really good second set. After that I had a good momentum throughout the whole match. I think I was in control ever since that set.

Q. Within yourself, do you think you're ready to win a slam or do you think you might have a little ways to go?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: If you ask me, of course I'd say yes. But that's something that I definitely need to show I think throughout all the matches and be even more consistent. If I'm ready? Yeah, I think I'm ready. But before you get to the final or something like that, you need to go through quite a few players that are the top right now and playing their greatest tennis. I think the game has evolved so much in the past years that instead of getting easier, it's getting harder. I think you have a lot of guys, they have more experience, they're older, they're fitter. You have that on the radar. But in the same time, you know, I've worked throughout my career so far to position myself in those kind of matches. I'm out there to win those ones, so I think I'm aiming higher.

Q. Maria scored an incredible come-from-behind win today. Can I ask you what makes her so tough?

GRIGOR DIMITROV: I think days like that defines who you are. It's simple.

Q. And the definition of Maria is just...

GRIGOR DIMITROV: Well, I think I should be the last person to sort of judge that, but I think you can't name one thing in particular with her. I think she's been fighting throughout all those years, through everything that is in her way, jumped all the hurdles and all the obstacles. By far the greatest fighter ever.



by ausopen.com

Dimitrov: '' I want to play to the end here ''

Grigor Dimitrov no secret that the objectives in Melbourne are very high. Bulgarians qualified for the third round of the Australian Open after a 3-1 victory over Lukas Lacko sets.

"I want to go all the way to the end, so I'm here. Physically, I feel great, no problems. Now I expect a break on Friday and again I'm on the court," said the Bulgarian after the match with Slovakia.

"I am very happy that I can play in this way and won. It was a little warmer weather and although lost the second set, I was convinced, and presented very well. I had some problems with shoes, but it ended as it should," he said .

"How long game, but I do not care - .. The important thing is to win now One day he rested, and then back on the court," said Grigor.





Dimitrov in round 3 in Australian Open !

Grigor Dimitrov vs Lukas Lacko 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 , next in round 3 , Grigrow will play against Marcos Baghdatis on Friday.


Highlights Dimitrov vs Lacko , Australian Open , round 2.

video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1421782837&x-yt-cl=84359240&v=8KG1YBeFPuo#t=110