‘Totally the Opposite’ – Grigor Dimitrov Denies Regret as He Feels ‘Lucky’ to Compete in a ‘Big 3’ Dominant Era

Playing in the era of the Big Three was never easy. Ask the likes of Andy Murray and David Ferrer, who had to toil hard against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Another such player was Grigor Dimitrov, who emerged on the scene in 2009 when he made his maiden Grand Slam appearance. Although boasting enormous amounts of talent, Dimitrov found his going tough against the three legendary players. In a recent interview, Dimitrov talked about ‘the ride’ he experienced with the Big 3.

The Bulgarian tennis star is finally getting into his groove this season. He has reached the finals of the Miami Open after some scintillating performances. Let’s find out what he said about playing in the era of the trio.

Grigor Dimitrov makes a surprising revelation

Yesterday, Dimitrov got the better of Alexander Zverev in a thrilling semifinal match in Miami. During the post-match press conference, he was asked if he considered himself unlucky to be playing in the same era as Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. Replying to the question, he said, “Totally the opposite, actually. Totally the opposite. Very lucky.”

Further, he went on to add, “How often you say I played in an era against the best players and you have beaten them all? It’s great. I’m sorry, but I can live with that. You know, all that, the titles and all this, yeah, it’s great. But the journey, the ride, it was, for me personally, not having these guys around, it’s a little sad.”

Dimitrov has idolized Federer and grew up watching him. Additionally, he was also compared to the Swiss maestro due to similarities in their playing styles, so much so that he is popularly called ‘Baby Federer’. However, he once shrugged off those comparisons and termed them irrelevant.

Dimitrov doesn’t like being compared to Federer

As comparisons of Grigor Dimitrov to Roger Federer grew, so did the expectations on him. The Bulgarian star eventually asked fans to stop comparing him to the Swiss legend. He also pointed out an important lesson for ‘every young player’. 

He stated, “That should be a lesson for every young player who comes into the game. No one should carry such a burden upon his name. I’ll tell you that much. That was one of the most irrelevant comparisons in my eyes, in my view and I think in everybody’s. And what I am the happiest with is that I made a name for myself.”

Grigor Dimitrov will face Jannik Sinner in the finals of the Miami Open. Can he win the title here? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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