For Dimitrov, the most difficult player to beat is Federer: "Roger has always been the most difficult opponent for me"

© AFP

Elio Valotto

le 05/07/2024 à 14h38

2 min to read

Dimitrov Djokovic Federer Wimbledon

Grigor Dimitrov is one of the most closely followed players on the ATP circuit. Ranked 10th in the world this week, the Bulgarian gave himself a fright in the second round, against Juncheng Shang, but came through with flying colors (5-7, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4).

Questioned at the press conference, he was asked to comment on the dominance of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic over grass-court tennis for many, many years. Often beaten by one or the other, Dimitrov agreed to give his opinion and, in his opinion, the greatest possible challenge is Federer: "I feel that Roger (Federer) has always been the toughest opponent for me on all surfaces. He's always been able to take time away from me.

I remember when I played here against him, it was like that at every point. It makes you very uncomfortable on the court, it forces you to try shots you shouldn't play, it takes you completely out of your game. When that happens, you're in trouble against any player, but especially against him.

The match here against Novak is one I'll always remember (Djokovic's semifinal win at the 2014 edition, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6). I was so close and played so well. I often talk about that match because it's the one where I ask myself: 'What would have happened if...'.

I had set points in the fourth set. It was a match where we both played at a very high level, the margin was very small and maybe that's the difference."