Great start to the year down under. Looking forward to playing in Sofia next week. #keepimproving
Friday 27 January 2017
Grigor after semifinal in Australian Open
Bulgarian narrowly falls to Nadal in Australian Open classic
Despite a painful five-set loss to Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open semi-finals on Friday, Grigor Dimitrov is choosing to focus on the positives from his two weeks in Melbourne.
The No. 15 seed opened the year by reaching his second Grand Slam semi-final and first since Wimbledon 2014. Although he was mere games away from becoming the first Bulgarian man or woman to reach a Grand Slam final, Dimitrov said he was pleased he could sustain his top level of play against the Spaniard for more than four hours.
“It's never easy to lose a match like that. I'm happy, though, with a lot of things. I'm going to stay positive and keep my head up high,” said Dimitrov. “Rafa deserves all the credit right now since he's such a fighter, such a competitor. It was an honour for me to play a match like that against him. It also shows me that I'm on the right path.”
After a dip in form that saw him at No. 40 in the Emirates ATP Rankings this past July, Dimitrov turned his form around in the second half of 2016 and has truly come alive this season. He won his first 10 matches this year, starting off 2017 by scoring three consecutive Top 10 wins (Dominic Thiem, Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori) to take the title in Brisbane. Dimitrov continued to take out higher-ranked opponents in Melbourne by scoring a convincing straight-sets victory over No. 11 seed David Goffin in the quarter-finals.
Now that he’s firmly back inside the Top 15, Dimitrov is determined not to get too down over his loss to Nadal and instead look to the long season ahead.
“The one thing that's going to be hard for me the first three or four days is to really absorb that, like, ‘Wow, I was so close,’” he admitted. “At the same time, I'm appreciating my run so far. It's been a great start to the year. It doesn't happen often that you come off from [winning] 10 matches in a row.
“I just don't want to put my head down for a second right now, especially when I'm feeling good,” he added. “I'm competing great. Physically, I'm getting there. Despite the disappointment, that's going to feed me for the upcoming events.”
It’s also clear that Dimitrov appreciates good tennis as much as any other fan of the sport. The Bulgarian said he would make it a point to watch Federer and Nadal add another layer to their historic rivalry in the championship match.
“Of course, everyone is going to see that final now, including me. I'm going to watch it for sure. It's super amazing and great for the sport,” said Dimitrov. “I just know that two of the greatest players of tennis are going to square off on Sunday and it's going to be an amazing match.”
Dimitrov's next ATP World Tour event will be in two weeks on home soil in Sofia.
Despite a painful five-set loss to Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open semi-finals on Friday, Grigor Dimitrov is choosing to focus on the positives from his two weeks in Melbourne.
The No. 15 seed opened the year by reaching his second Grand Slam semi-final and first since Wimbledon 2014. Although he was mere games away from becoming the first Bulgarian man or woman to reach a Grand Slam final, Dimitrov said he was pleased he could sustain his top level of play against the Spaniard for more than four hours.
“It's never easy to lose a match like that. I'm happy, though, with a lot of things. I'm going to stay positive and keep my head up high,” said Dimitrov. “Rafa deserves all the credit right now since he's such a fighter, such a competitor. It was an honour for me to play a match like that against him. It also shows me that I'm on the right path.”
After a dip in form that saw him at No. 40 in the Emirates ATP Rankings this past July, Dimitrov turned his form around in the second half of 2016 and has truly come alive this season. He won his first 10 matches this year, starting off 2017 by scoring three consecutive Top 10 wins (Dominic Thiem, Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori) to take the title in Brisbane. Dimitrov continued to take out higher-ranked opponents in Melbourne by scoring a convincing straight-sets victory over No. 11 seed David Goffin in the quarter-finals.
Now that he’s firmly back inside the Top 15, Dimitrov is determined not to get too down over his loss to Nadal and instead look to the long season ahead.
“The one thing that's going to be hard for me the first three or four days is to really absorb that, like, ‘Wow, I was so close,’” he admitted. “At the same time, I'm appreciating my run so far. It's been a great start to the year. It doesn't happen often that you come off from [winning] 10 matches in a row.
“I just don't want to put my head down for a second right now, especially when I'm feeling good,” he added. “I'm competing great. Physically, I'm getting there. Despite the disappointment, that's going to feed me for the upcoming events.”
It’s also clear that Dimitrov appreciates good tennis as much as any other fan of the sport. The Bulgarian said he would make it a point to watch Federer and Nadal add another layer to their historic rivalry in the championship match.
“Of course, everyone is going to see that final now, including me. I'm going to watch it for sure. It's super amazing and great for the sport,” said Dimitrov. “I just know that two of the greatest players of tennis are going to square off on Sunday and it's going to be an amazing match.”
Dimitrov's next ATP World Tour event will be in two weeks on home soil in Sofia.
Wednesday 25 January 2017
Grigor Dimitrov in Semifinal in Australian Open!
“It isn’t over yet,” was the message from Grigor Dimitrov after reaching his second Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open on Wednesday. His straight-sets victory over David Goffin was the latest win in what has been a gathering wave of momentum for the Bulgarian, who is unbeaten as yet in 2017.
Trusting in the hard work he has done and the team around him, including coach Dani Vallverdu, Dimitrov is ready to go all the way to his first major title at Melbourne Park.
“I feel like I have all the tools to go further, and my job isn't over yet,” said Dimitrov, who faces Rafael Nadal or Milos Raonic for a place in the final. “I'm looking forward to my match on Friday. I think I'm prepared. I think I'm ready to go the distance.
“I don't shy away from that. I'm confident enough to say that I feel good physically, and overall on the court. Just going forward with the confidence that I have built up also from the previous tournament. Now with each match I've been feeling better and better. It just all comes pretty natural right now,” added the Bulgarian, who opened his 2017 campaign with the title in Brisbane (d. Nishikori).
Speaking to ATPWorldTour.com in August last year, Dimitrov talked about the need for simplicity on and off the court. The right-hander was just a few weeks into his partnership with Vallverdu then, but the mentality is fast paying dividends, with Dimitrov now working a more structured schedule and confident in his shot choices.
“I think I'm taking better decisions when I come out on the court, better decisions in terms of points or how I'm going to play certain players or how I'm going to prepare, for example, before my matches,” said Dimitrov. “Little things that are important for me in order to come to the court.
“I think my focus has been good. The mentality has been there,” continued Dimitrov, who dropped to No. 40 in the Emirates ATP Rankings in July and admitted that he hadn’t been playing and practising well or doing the right things for his career. “I've been present when I'm playing my matches. I keep on fighting. I have a good spirit on the court, being positive.”
With the new regimen, Dimitrov has surged back up the Emirates ATP Rankings to No. 15 with the Top 10 firmly in his sights. After a strong finish to 2016, Dimitrov bunkered down early in Monte-Carlo for the off-season, getting to work while most of his rivals were either at the ATP Finals or on vacation.
Working with Vallverdu, his fitness trainer, Sebastien Durand, and physio, Azdine Bousnana, Dimitrov put in the hours in the gym and on the court to put himself in the best shape possible for his assault on 2017.
“I just keep doing the things that I was doing, what I was believing in. I have to give a lot of credit to my team, especially to my coach, to Daniel, to my fitness guy Sebastien, and then the other people that were there for me at the tough time. I don't want to forget my family. Those two components were really amazing.
“With the right set of people, things started to slowly move forward for me. Now I think I'm just in a good place.”
By ATP World Tour
Trusting in the hard work he has done and the team around him, including coach Dani Vallverdu, Dimitrov is ready to go all the way to his first major title at Melbourne Park.
“I feel like I have all the tools to go further, and my job isn't over yet,” said Dimitrov, who faces Rafael Nadal or Milos Raonic for a place in the final. “I'm looking forward to my match on Friday. I think I'm prepared. I think I'm ready to go the distance.
“I don't shy away from that. I'm confident enough to say that I feel good physically, and overall on the court. Just going forward with the confidence that I have built up also from the previous tournament. Now with each match I've been feeling better and better. It just all comes pretty natural right now,” added the Bulgarian, who opened his 2017 campaign with the title in Brisbane (d. Nishikori).
Speaking to ATPWorldTour.com in August last year, Dimitrov talked about the need for simplicity on and off the court. The right-hander was just a few weeks into his partnership with Vallverdu then, but the mentality is fast paying dividends, with Dimitrov now working a more structured schedule and confident in his shot choices.
“I think I'm taking better decisions when I come out on the court, better decisions in terms of points or how I'm going to play certain players or how I'm going to prepare, for example, before my matches,” said Dimitrov. “Little things that are important for me in order to come to the court.
“I think my focus has been good. The mentality has been there,” continued Dimitrov, who dropped to No. 40 in the Emirates ATP Rankings in July and admitted that he hadn’t been playing and practising well or doing the right things for his career. “I've been present when I'm playing my matches. I keep on fighting. I have a good spirit on the court, being positive.”
With the new regimen, Dimitrov has surged back up the Emirates ATP Rankings to No. 15 with the Top 10 firmly in his sights. After a strong finish to 2016, Dimitrov bunkered down early in Monte-Carlo for the off-season, getting to work while most of his rivals were either at the ATP Finals or on vacation.
Working with Vallverdu, his fitness trainer, Sebastien Durand, and physio, Azdine Bousnana, Dimitrov put in the hours in the gym and on the court to put himself in the best shape possible for his assault on 2017.
“I just keep doing the things that I was doing, what I was believing in. I have to give a lot of credit to my team, especially to my coach, to Daniel, to my fitness guy Sebastien, and then the other people that were there for me at the tough time. I don't want to forget my family. Those two components were really amazing.
“With the right set of people, things started to slowly move forward for me. Now I think I'm just in a good place.”
By ATP World Tour
Monday 23 January 2017
Sunday 22 January 2017
Interview with Dani Vallverdu - coach of Grigor Dimitrov
Dani Vallverdu was the key of Grigor Dimitrov's 2016 season and probably career too. The Bulgarian tennis player came back in the high positions of the ATP Rankings after that only six months ago was around the top 40. Interviewed by L'Equipe, Vallverdu stressed how Dimitrov's work ethic was very important to start improving.
'Above all, Grigor is a hard worker', Vallverdu said. 'Since we've been together, he's invested a lot. I'm very satisfied with his way of getting involved. I don't need to push him. He's understood that if you put everything on the table, getting results is easier. He's someone who got into the top 10 despite the weight of expectations. Perhaps he didn't do everything afterwards to succeed, which is more difficult. It's part of his apprenticeship.
'I've had the chance to work with Murray and Berdych, who are surely among the players who work hardest on the tour. I know the professionalism that's necessary to stay at the top, and I could transfer my knowledge to Grigor. It was well accepted; he was very receptive.'
Vallverdu spoke also about Dimitrov's biggest weapons: the serve, forehand and his footwork. 'If he can manage to maximise them all the time, he'll be dangerous for everyone with his aggressive play. And with his ability to move, he could also have a good defensive game. Combining those things, he's very strong.
'Above all, Grigor is a hard worker', Vallverdu said. 'Since we've been together, he's invested a lot. I'm very satisfied with his way of getting involved. I don't need to push him. He's understood that if you put everything on the table, getting results is easier. He's someone who got into the top 10 despite the weight of expectations. Perhaps he didn't do everything afterwards to succeed, which is more difficult. It's part of his apprenticeship.
'I've had the chance to work with Murray and Berdych, who are surely among the players who work hardest on the tour. I know the professionalism that's necessary to stay at the top, and I could transfer my knowledge to Grigor. It was well accepted; he was very receptive.'
Vallverdu spoke also about Dimitrov's biggest weapons: the serve, forehand and his footwork. 'If he can manage to maximise them all the time, he'll be dangerous for everyone with his aggressive play. And with his ability to move, he could also have a good defensive game. Combining those things, he's very strong.
Saturday 21 January 2017
Check this so funny video! Roger Federer, Grigor and Tommy Haas singing "It's hard to say I'm sorry"
https://mobile.twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/822632054940635136?p=v
Friday 20 January 2017
Schedule of play - saturday
Australian Open 2017, round 3
ROD LAVER ARENA
WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) [6] vs. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) [30]
WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Nicole Gibbs (USA) vs. Serena Williams (USA) [2]
MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Alexander Zverev (GER) [24] vs. Rafael Nadal (ESP) [9]
7:00 PM
WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Daria Gavrilova (AUS) [22] vs. Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) [12]
MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 3
Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) [15] vs. Richard Gasquet (FRA) [18]
Thursday 19 January 2017
Wednesday 18 January 2017
Schedule of play - Thursday
Australian Open 2017.
HISENSE ARENA 11:00 AM
WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 2
Sara Errani (ITA) vs. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) [30]
MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 2
Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) [15] vs. Hyeon Chung (KOR)
NOT BEFORE: 3:30 PM
MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 2
Gael Monfils (FRA) [6] vs. Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR)
NOT BEFORE: 6:30 PM
WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 2
Daria Gavrilova (AUS) [22] vs. Ana Konjuh (CRO)
HISENSE ARENA 11:00 AM
WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 2
Sara Errani (ITA) vs. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) [30]
MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 2
Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) [15] vs. Hyeon Chung (KOR)
NOT BEFORE: 3:30 PM
MEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 2
Gael Monfils (FRA) [6] vs. Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR)
NOT BEFORE: 6:30 PM
WOMEN'S SINGLES - ROUND 2
Daria Gavrilova (AUS) [22] vs. Ana Konjuh (CRO)
Tuesday 17 January 2017
Friday 13 January 2017
Australian Open Draw!
Potencial Draw for Grigor Dimitrov:
1R O'Connel
2R Chung or Olivo
3R Gasquet
4R Djokovic
Sunday 8 January 2017
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