"Having an example like him in Bulgaria is something incredible," Ivanov praises his glorious elder Dimitrov after his US Open Juniors triumph

Adrien Guyot

le 09/09/2025 à 12h20

2 min to read

Dimitrov Ivanov US Open Juniors Vasilev

Ivan Ivanov may be one of the rising stars of world tennis. At just 16 years old, the young Bulgarian player has already won two Grand Slam titles in the Juniors this season.

After winning Wimbledon in July, he also triumphed at the US Open, emulating his glorious elder, Grigor Dimitrov, who achieved the Wimbledon-US Open double in the Juniors in 2008.

Moreover, Bulgarian tennis was in the spotlight during the final at Flushing Meadows, as the tournament's number 1 seed prevailed over his compatriot Alexander Vasilev to claim the title (7-5, 6-3). Ivanov reflected on his victory and spoke about Dimitrov, whom he greatly admires.

"I played very well during the tournament, and, with Alexander (Vasilev), our wish came true. Facing him in the final, having a 100% Bulgarian match and a large crowd present to support us...

We knew many people would come and make noise. I am very happy that so many spectators came to cheer us on. It was a very important day for our country, and I am glad we were able to achieve success.

Having an example like Grigor Dimitrov in Bulgaria and having a player to look up to is something incredible. I mean, many countries with a population similar to ours don't have something like that. We are lucky to have him.

With Grigor, we have never spoken, nor even shared the same court together, whether in training or competition, but he has brought me so many positive things—I can learn a lot from him," Ivanov stated to Punto de Break.