Recently, Grigor Dimitrov engaged in a mental exercise to create what he considered to be the ideal tennis player by combining the qualities of legends including Novak Djokovic as well as Roger Federer.
In a video that the ATP Tour shared on social media, Dimitrov had the task of designing the ideal tennis player utilising the abilities of current players as building blocks. The forehand of Roger Federer was the first move the Bulgarian made since it never appeared to falter under pressure throughout their encounters.
He said, “I’ll go with Roger’s forehand. He never missed it, when he had to miss it against me. I feel like a lot of players have missed a lot of shots, but not him against me.”
Then Dimitrov chose Kei Nishikori’s double-handed backhand, adding his choice to the wide range of alternatives the legendary Japanese player generates on that wing. He said, “Backhand – Kei Nishikori. He can literally hit anything from that wing, backhand cross, lob, line, pass through the middle, curve it, get to it, anything.”
The Bulgarian added, “Serve, I’ll go for Nick Kyrgios. To generate any type of serve… pretty spectacular.”
Dimitrov then chose Novak Djokovic as he said, “Return – Novak. He’s always been able to put the ball on the court, no matter how fast the ball comes.”
The former World No. 3 chose himself when given the opportunity to choose a slice.
The Bulgarian said, “I’ll pick myself on the slice. One of my first shots that I ever learned how to do, so I really love playing it.”
Dimitrov stressed that the perfect player must possess the tenacity of former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt. He concluded by saying that, “Lleyton Hewitt, his competitive nature is pretty amazing.”
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer’s sheer domination over Grigor Dimitrov
Their separate battles with Grigor Dimitrov were thoroughly controlled by them. Roger Federer defeated the Bulgarian seven times in their history. Meanwhile, the Serb triumphed against him in 11 out of their 12 encounters.
Novak Djokovic took home the win during the first two games between the two. But during the 2013 Monte Carlo Masters, the Bulgarian eventually turned the tables on him, winning a thrilling three-set encounter in the second round. The Serbs continued on and easily won their next nine games.
