2024-09-01 23:23:32
Friendship is friendship, but cheese is money.
This reminded Grigor Dimitrov of one of his best friends in professional tennis. Without particular emotions, the Bulgarian star in this sport fought for 6:3, 7:6 (7:3), 1:6, 3:6, 6:3 with Andrey Rublev (Russian) and qualified for the quarterfinals of the US Open for first time since 2019
In the next round, the former world No. 3 awaits home star USA Frances Tiafoe or Alexey Popirin (Awl), who knocked out Grand Slam record holder Novak Djokovic (Sir).
Dimitrov’s fans shuddered when, after losing the fourth set in a hurry, the 2019 New York semifinalist told coach Jamie Delgado and his father, Dimitar, that he had a problem with his right knee, which at times felt stiff. Although he conceded an equaliser, in the decisive fifth part Grigor was the first to make a breakthrough and despite some critical moments due to returning double faults, he did not allow another turn.
The winner of 23 Grand Slam titles, Serena Williams, was also in the stands of “Arthur Ashe”. Dimitrov and the dark-skinned American had a relationship when our tennis player was training at Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy in Paris, and after that they remained very good friends.
Grigor was asked if Serena’s presence affected him.
“Yesterday we talked and she gave me some advice on what to do to win,” replied Dimitrov.
For him, the victory is below #450 in the tournaments of the professional circuit. Grigor also became the first player born after 1990 to win 300 matches on hard courts.