Bulgaria’s best shares his feelings on Federer comparisons and how finding his identity on court has fuelled his resurgence
Grigor Dimitrov was describing his improbable journey from humble origins in Haskovo, Bulgaria, a country with almost no men’s tennis heritage before him, to the very top levels of his sport when suddenly he paused: “I had all these comparisons with Roger [Federer] for so many years,” he said, laughing. “Thank you for not saying it. I appreciate it.”
He did not have to elaborate further. From the moment Dimitrov emerged on the ATP Tour, armed with excellent athleticism, a large toolbox of shots and a sickly sweet single-handed backhand, the early years of Dimitrov’s career were plagued by uncomfortable comparisons and that dreaded nickname: Baby Fed. It is, evidently, difficult to discuss his beginnings without touching on the subject.
