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“Even Lovers Need a Holiday” – Roger Federer Trolls Grigor Dimitrov

ByMahalakshmi Murali

May 2, 2020 | 4:07 PM EDT

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With the tennis season being put on halt until mid-July or even longer, the professionals are missing their regular life on the tour. Former World Number three Grigor Dimitrov penned down his thoughts of missing tennis in an Instagram post. And the Swiss legend Roger Federer subtlety mocked the Bulgarian.

Roger Federer and Tommy Haas Troll Grigor Dimitrov

“I’m so grateful to that sport, it has given me all I can ask for(yes, frustrating too at times:) but it always teaches me something that goes way beyond the sport. It challenges me! Thank you! I miss you tennis!” Dimitrov posted on Instagram.

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Following his post, Federer commented: “Even lovers need a holiday.” Where lovers were personified to tennis. Also, German tennis player Tommy Haas pitched into the comment section and said, “everybody needs a little time away.”

View this post on Instagram

As the days are rolling by I cannot help but thinking how much I miss competing. For the first time in 24 years the real uncertainty of when you are going out there creeps in. I miss the preparation,I miss driving to the stadium,I miss those butterflies when your name is called on that center court,when you put that game face on and for a minute you feel that the world stops and all you think about is that moment, seizing the chance to be out here. I’m so grateful to that sport,it has given me all I can ask for(yes,frustrating too at times:) but it always teaches me something that goes way beyond the sport. It challenges me! Thank you! I miss you tennis! I’m thankful for my parents for teaching so many valuable lessons early on in life. I had to grow up fast but along the way learning how to forgive,how to love,how to be persistent and tackle life with smile! Tenacity! We can only learn from this time and come out as a better version of ourselves. Let’s love ourselves and be kind to one another. Sending love and support to all of you out there! We will overcome this together. #carpediem
A post shared by Grigor Dimitrov (@grigordimitrov) on May 2, 2020 at 10:14am PDT

Dimitrov during the tennis layover

Dimitrov is presently quarantined on the west coast of the US, California. He’s keeping himself in shape by working out in the small gym at his place. “I’m lucky because I have a small gym on the property where I’m staying and can access it every day. I have a little basketball court to run around on or can go for walks,” he told ATP Tour.com.

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“Maintaining my physicality on a daily basis is key. You can always find a way to exercise, even at home. It’s not easy, but reveals a lot about your own character and lets you learn more about yourself.”

A few weeks back, he was virtually working out with seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams.

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Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Dimitrov donated some ventilators to his hometown of Haskovo, Bulgaria. “This is not only a way of giving something back to my country, but deeply moves me and makes me feel alive,” he said.