2024-08-30 07:11:29
Grigor Dimitrov does not like to be called a veteran.
“You better call me a young man at 33. I like it better,” said the top tennis player after again qualifying for the third round of the US Open. In the 30-degree heat of New York, the former No. 3 in the world ranking allowed himself to relax in the third set, but took a clean victory 6:1, 6:1, 7:6 (7:4) over Rinki Hijikata (Awl). Dimitrov will play Talon Grikspor for a place in the round of 16. Number 1 of the Netherlands is currently 40th in the ATP ranking and so far there is no official match with our tennis player. The lover of service-net style and fast surfaces holds the record of 8 titles in tournaments of the “Challenger” category in one season. Griekspor did it in 2021. The Dutchman has won two tournaments on the ATP calendar – on hard courts in Pune (Ind) and on grass in front of his home crowd in Den Bosch.
Grigor Dimitrov was asked if he plans to end his career soon, as Diego Schwartzman and Dominic Thiem will do.
“I’m certainly closer to the end than the beginning. But I still have goals I want to achieve. The most important thing is my own assessment and I know I can still play at the highest possible level,” replied the 2017 ATP London Finals champion.
Dimitrov believes his Brisbane title earlier this year has given him new ambitions.
“I think that set the tone for the season. I have never been afraid of work, but it is absolutely individual for each person. It’s a question of how you believe in yourself and how you know how to motivate yourself. No one can help you if you don’t take care of yourself. I think I’m good at it. Of course, my whole team is always close to me and helping me, but I’m the one who makes the decisions. I still think that a Grand Slam title is the most important thing in tennis. Some have 20 and want more. I was very close several times and just missed. But I still have things to improve and why not try again? I want to do it while I can. If I am able to hold the racket, I have a chance,” said Grigor.
He was pleased that his match with Hijikata was the first on the day’s schedule.
“I like to get up early and play at 11 o’clock, that was great for me. Everything went well: I woke up at 6.30, drank a coffee, got in the car and arrived at the courts. I had breakfast, did everything else and was ready to play. But don’t get me wrong, I can be a night owl if need be. I can adapt to any conditions. When I was younger, nothing bothered me, but now if I go to bed after midnight or I haven’t fed on time, I immediately feel it,” added Dimitrov.