Dimitrov: "Before becoming a great champion, you have to be a better person"

Grigor Dimitrov reached the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters 1000 with great authority.

After defeating Popyrin in two sets (7-6, 6-2), he continues his rise to prominence and will meet Jakub Mensik in the next round.

During a press conference, the Bulgarian was asked about his great popularity on the ATP and WTA circuits.

Can't help smiling, he declared: "I don't know, maybe you should ask them. I think the only thing you'll ever get from me is just myself.

My mother gave me some valuable advice. She says that before you become a great champion, you have to be a better person.

I think a lot of that comes from my culture too. I have my heart on my sleeve and I show my emotions as they are.

Sometimes I'd like to hide them better, I really would.

It's helped me a lot and it's hurt me a lot. I'm learning. I think I'm far from perfect, but I try to do what's right in my eyes."