Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov never shy away from pushing their limits, even after a physically demanding season. Now, as they prepare for an exciting exhibition match, fans can’t wait to see these two powerhouses clash once again. But amidst all the buzz, there’s a bit of history that has resurfaced—one that involved a little off-court tension. Though Djokovic and Dimitrov seem to share mutual respect today, there was a time when the relationship wasn’t as smooth, thanks to the influence of Novak’s parents, particularly his father, Srdjan.

It was in 2020 when both players witnessed stressful and tense relationships. Djokovic organized a charity tournament in the form of the Adira Tour where he invited fellow players including Dimitrov to participate. However, with the Bulgarian star testing positive for the coronavirus, the Serb witnessed widespread criticism from the community for lax enforcement of the COVID-19 measures in the tournament. But Djokovic’s father did not hold back and jumped in to defend his son. 

Speaking to RTL Croatia TV, Srdjan blamed Dimitrov for spreading the virus and attempted to take the blame off his son’s shoulders. “Why did it happen? Because that man probably came sick, who knows from where,” Srdjan said. Remember, Dimitrov was the first person to test positive during the second leg of the tournament that began in Serbia and later moved to Croatia. Continuing further, Srdjan added, “He didn’t test here, he tested somewhere else…I think that’s not fair. He inflicted damage to both Croatia and to us as a family in Serbia. Nobody is feeling well because of this situation.” But Srdjan was not the only person to defend Djokovic. 

After Nole and his wife Jelena tested positive for the virus as well, his mother Dijana revealed that her son and daughter-in-law were feeling fine but were unhappy over the criticism. “It is horrible what is being written, but we are used to it,” she told Belgrade Blic.

Dimitrov, in the meantime, demonstrated great humility and apologized for any role he might have played that led to the spread of the virus. “I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am back home now and recovering,” the Bulgarian wrote in a social media post.

Djokovic was criticized over the pictures that highlighted the lack of Covid-19 measures being followed. Players were seen engaging in discussions without following social distancing norms, and stadiums were tightly packed with very few wearing face masks, among other acts of mismanagement. But these arguments seem to be a matter of the past. 

Djokovic and Dimitrov are now gearing up for a much-awaited exhibition match on September 17 at Arena Sofia, in Bulgaria. With all the seats having got booked within 8 minutes, the excitement amongst the fans is palpable and evident. Djokovic, meanwhile, is excited to play in Bulgaria. 

“Going to be fun” – Novak Djokovic expresses true feelings over exhibition match

Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov share immense respect for each other and have overcome the previous tensions. The Serbian Maestro has expressed his happiness about playing the exhibition match against Dimitrov.

Speaking about his decision to participate, the 24-time Grand Slam winner said, “Well, it’s mostly because of the guys that l’m playing with. With Grigor, he came to Serbia to play in the Adria Tour exhibition a few years ago, and then we agreed that I’m going to play with him in Bulgaria when the time arrives and it’s suitable for both of us. So, now is the time, and I look forward to it.”

Continuing further, he expressed his excitement for the match. “I never played in Bulgaria, and we are obviously culturally very similar nations and people. So, that’s going to be fun,” Djokovic added.

It will be interesting to see who secures the victory as the two clash. But one thing is certain, it will be an intensive showdown between Dimitrov and Djokovic.