‘Meant Something Different’ – Grigor Dimitrov’s Remarkable Roger Federer Admission at US Open Proved the Swiss Maestro’s Significance

On the intense and competitive tennis courts, certain moments rise above the game. They become permanent recollections carved into the hearts and psyches of players and fans alike. One such moment unfurled at the 2019 US Open. Grigor Dimitrov, the skilled Bulgarian tennis player, had gone head to head against the incredible Roger Federer. The result of that match, and Dimitrov’s feelings about it, have since revealed insight into the significant effect that the Swiss Maestro has had on the tennis world.

Federer dominated Dimitrov both at Wimbledon in 2017 and at the Australian Open the prior year. It appeared to be that Dimitrov was bound to be in the shadow of the tennis goliath once again in 2019.

Grigor Dimitrov had shared the emotional significance of victory over Roger Federer

At the 2019 US Open, the stage was set for a wonderful development. Dimitrov had confronted Federer in the quarter-finals of the tournament. The events that unfolded that day would impact Dimitrov’s point of view of the game of tennis. In the book ‘The Roger Federer Effect,’ Dimitrov reflected on his awe-inspiring triumph over Federer. The Bulgarian had acknowledged that Federer had been the better player in their previous on-court duels.

Yet, the 2019 US Open match was unique; it held an importance that rose above tennis. Dimitrov portrayed it as “an amazing experience” and underlined that this triumph implied something completely unmistakable to him.

According to the fan-favorite book, Dimitrov shared, “This, to me, was not about tennis. This one means something different to me. That’s why when I say this, I cherish the absolute experience to play him in the best of five sets and beat him in five sets in the night session in New York.”

Defeating the Swiss Maestro in that match made a big difference to Dimitrov. His win over Federer reminded everybody that even the best players can be tested and beaten, and triumphs against legends are conceivable.

Dimitrov had also added, “I was so happy and so excited at what was happening, the way I was playing mainly. But it was more, it meant something different to me than the sport itself. That’s why I’m very happy that I have it as an experience.”

The Bulgarian, due to his one-handed backhand, had even earned the nickname ‘Baby Roger’ due to the striking similarities in their playing styles. In 2021, Dimitrov revealed that he didn’t intentionally model his game after Federer, and the resemblances are purely coincidental.

Dimitrov once shared details about his unintentional resemblance to the Swiss Superstar

In a 2021 interview with Tennis Majors, Dimitrov addressed the parallels and his feelings about the comparisons. Dimitrov had explained that one of the initial shots his father taught him was the slice. Federer had been renowned for the deadly slice. At the time, Federer wasn’t a famous player, and Dimitrov’s father modeled certain aspects of his game, including the slice.

As a result of these striking resemblances, Grigor Dimitrov has been affectionately labeled “Baby Roger.” However, in the latter part of the interview, he expressed something peculiar. He shared that while he used to appreciate the nickname, he later felt uncomfortable with it, due to the bloated expectations it came with.

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