New York Minute with Grigor Dimitrov, Gabriela Sabatini
We asked our 2015 BNP Paribas Showdown participants, Grigor Dimitrov and Gabriela Sabatini, a few New York themed questions prior to their Madison Square Garden appearance on World Tennis Day.
WHATS ARE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK?
Grigor: Wow that is a tough question. I have to say playing tennis!
Gabriela: I love to walk in New York, I like to go to the shows, to visit the museums and galleries, I like to discover new restaurants, the shopping.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN NEW YORK AND WHAT DO YOU ORDER AT THAT RESTAURANT?
Grigor: Koi! Fried rice with avocado on top to start with and back cod for my main course. I stayed very close to the restaurant last year at the US Open and it was very convenient.
Gabriela: My favourite restaurants are Boulud Sud, Rouge Tomate and Harry Cipriani on 5th I love the scallops from Boulud Sud, from Cipriani I love the ravioli or tagliolini pomodoro and the veal Milanese and they have my favourite chocolate fudge cake. I like everything from Rouge Tomate so I try something new everytime.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT NEW YORK EG: IF ITS SHOPPING, WHERE DO YOU GO, IF ITS TAKING A WALK, WHERE WOULD YOU WALK?
Grigor: I have a little spots in Soho that I like for shopping. Hotoveli is one of my favorite stores in NYC. I also love walking around central park during the summer.
Gabriela: The best thing is that everytime I go it’s a new experience, I´m always discovering new things. I love the energy. I like to walk through Madison Avenue, Soho, to run in Central Park.
HOW ARE CROWDS IN NEW YORK DIFFERENT TO THOSE FROM OTHER PLACES?
Grigor: The energy is insane. The NY crowds make you feel like a rockstar.
Gabriela: The tennis crowd is very unique, they are very intense and like to get involved in the game, their energy is always very motivating. I always loved playing in front of the New York crowds.
WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST IS A MUST DO FOR ANYONE VISITING NEW YORK?
Grigor: Go to Eataly NYC. It is a must! I always try to make one trip there while I am in NYC.
Gabriela: Walk through Central Park, see a show, go shopping.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO THAT YOU HAVE NEVER DONE IN NEW YORK?
Grigor: I have heard great things about the highline path. I would also love to take a boat out to see the Statue of Liberty. The trouble is I just never have the time when I am here for the US Open.
Gabriela: To go through all of New York by bicycle.
THE EXPERIENCE OF PLAYING AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN?
Grigor: I’ve never have experienced anything like that! I’m really looking forward to it. It definitely one of the most unique tennis venues in the world.
Gabriela: It was one of my favourite stadiums to play in. The ambience was just the perfect one, it felt very intimate and the crowd felt so close. I´m so honored to have played there and to have this opportunity again.
