“Not Entirely in His DNA”: Gilles Simon Criticizes Grigor Dimitrov for Cloning the Style of Roger Federer

French professional tennis player Gilles Simon seems quite fascinated with Roger Federer. Even when he doesn’t want to talk about the Swiss Maestro, journalists find a way to ask him something about Federer. However, he respects the 20-time Grand Slam winner and has admitted earlier that Federer was his son’s hero.

In a recent interview, there was a question about the former World No.3 Grigor Dimitrov. However, the interviewer phrased it in a manner that it also involved Federer. The question was whether Dimitrov had limited himself in his career by replicating Federer. To this, the Frenchman replied in affirmative.

“Yes,” began a confident Simon. “He’s (Grigor Dimitrov) clearly a player who comes close in terms of fluidity of play.”

It was clear that Simon felt that Dimitrov was quite close in cloning Roger Federer’s style. He further believed that it was something that was not doing any good for Dimitrov.

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“Not entirely in his DNA”- Gilles Simon on Grigor Dimitrov adopting the style of Roger Federer

Simon further argued that Dimitrov was trying to do something that he simply couldn’t do.

“In the important moments, it can ‘give up’ because, in reality, it is not entirely in his DNA,” concluded the 35-year-old Simon.

He was blunt and didn’t hesitate in saying that Federer’s style was not there in Dimitrov’s DNA. He said that the player could try to copy it but it was futile as it would not help him in the longer run.

It was certain that Simon was criticizing Dimitrov. In a way, he even advised him not to do so in the future.

Both Dimitrov and Simon will begin the upcoming season at the Australian Open 2021. Joining them there will be none other than Roger Federer who will also make a comeback to tennis after a year.

Also Read: Gilles Simon slams French Tennis for wasting energy on replicating Roger Federer