2024-09-18 02:04:27
Grigor Dimitrov and Novak Djokovic they finally got together in Sofia. The record holder of titles from the “Grand Slam” arrived for the charity match organized by his foundation in the “Arena” hall.
The Serbian again shared that he is returning the visa to Grigor, who played in Belgrade 4 years ago. At the end of the week, Dimitrov will participate in the Laver Cup in Berlin, and his big goal for the season is to qualify for the ATP finals in Turin. “We get along well with Grigor because we have the same DNA. We in the Balkans are more special people and we don’t give up,” said Djokovic.
– Grigor, can you tell us something more about your foundation? Who exactly will you be helping with the proceeds from this match?
– In general, we want to help everyone whenever possible. I want to show what we actually do. I think the time has come. That’s how long I’ve been in professional tennis
and it’s time to give something more of myself, to help disadvantaged children
We have different projects and I took things to heart. Novak also has a similar foundation. I remember talking to his wife a few years ago (Jelena – b.b.) and she told me that if I wanted to do something, to explain exactly what my plans were and how I wanted it to happen. Now the occasion is very good. We’ve come together to talk about this thing, and we think it’s time to act. I want to give something of myself, of what I have accumulated over the years, to the children, to the young talents. I hope this is just the beginning of a very serious cause.
– Novak, did you easily agree to participate in such a match?
– I didn’t need much convincing. I am coming to Sofia for the second time, but before that the reason was not tennis. I have the necessary motivation because Grigor and I have been friends for many years. When he came to play on the Adria Tour 4 years ago, we talked about doing something similar in Bulgaria to help his foundation’s initiatives. I am very pleased to be here again.
– Grigor, what is the problem because of which you gave up the US Open?
– I’m certainly better now. It is not acceptable that exactly at the last two Grand Slam tournaments I happened to have such a problem with my body. But by playing many matches continuously,
you don’t know what could happen to you at any moment
I was prepared as much as possible, but apart from the matches, perhaps nerves, travel – everything taken together – also played a role. Certainly, tension is also of great importance. In the last two years, I’ve obviously pushed myself more physically. I always did, but maybe the situation is more special now because I’m at a different stage in my career. But even after that kind of disappointment, there is always something positive. We are talking with the team about how to make an even better program and know that I will be 100% ready again.
– Novak, is there anything special in your relationship with Grigor? That you are brothers, as you like to say, from Serbia and Bulgaria, or something more?
– Yes, I call him brother, brother. (He laughs.) We have played many times in tournaments, our languages are similar and we understand each other very well. We have known each other for many years, we have respect for each other.
But he is my brother from Bulgaria
and I’m glad to have an opportunity to play here. I want to hear Bulgarian music (Novak sang “Luda po teb” to Kamelia – b.r.).
– Is the match fixed?
– No, it’s not arranged. Whoever loses will pay the bill in the evening.
– Grigor, where do they place this victory – for Novak to arrive in Bulgaria because of you?
– This is not for me. We wanted to do something for the whole of Bulgaria. I always wanted us to have world level tennis, lots of people playing. I want this thing to be for all of us and to be remembered. All week I was only thinking about this match and preparing myself to be in good health to last against a player like Novak.
– In 2019, before the US Open, you were outside the top 10 in the world. Now you’re back in the top 10 and playing perhaps your best tennis. What is the secret of this revival?
– There is no secret. I just never give up. Yes, I had tough times on and off the court, but
I have never forgotten that tennis is not a sprint, but a marathon
I have been in professional sports for 16 years now and I know that every time I have problems, I have to do what is necessary to be as ready as possible when I return to the court. The title in Brisbane at the start of this season helped me a lot to get off to a good start. It is also very important to be consistent, but first of all is the body – it must be good and you can give the maximum of yourself.
– Novak, how hard is it to be #1 in the world for so many years?
– It is difficult to play for such a long time at the highest level. You really have to be obsessed with what you do. In individual sports there is no one to replace you. Tennis is a beautiful sport where you have many challenges as young tennis players,
young wolves to eat you
It takes dedication, the level of persistence has to be top, you have to love what you do, you have to be hungry for victories. You have to understand who you are, how your body reacts. I now choose the tournaments I participate in more carefully. I listen to my body. Tennis is a sport in which you travel a lot. I already have a family and I try to spend more time with my wife and children, to prioritize things.
– Grigor, you have played with Novak many times. Who was more important to you? The one at Wimbledon in 2014 or the one in Madrid a year earlier when he beat him?
– These are two very different games. Maybe the Wimbledon one made me learn a lot more. Yes, the win in Madrid was very sweet, but after that game in London I needed a few weeks to recover mentally.
But I started to I understand others tennis stuff
and it helped me in the following years. I understood what I need to work on and what to do in matches against similar players.
– Is it possible that this match is a farewell to the Bulgarian public?
– No, I am very far from any kind of farewell.
– What would you say to your critics who don’t realize what it’s like since you were a child to do the same thing all your life and be so dedicated to one thing? What don’t these people know?
– I’ll tell them they don’t know how to play tennis. It’s easiest to do it from the couch. Let them take my racket and sneakers and go to the court.
Criticism and envy there will always be
But that means you’re doing everything right. Let someone achieve more than me.
(Questions of other media have also been used.)