‘I Won’t Tell’ – Grigor Dimitrov Opts to Keep the Best Message He Received From Roger Federer as a Well Kept Secret

Just like any other 90s kid, Grigor Dimitrov also idolized the Swiss grace, Roger Federer, during his formative years. Growing up watching Federer during his prime, Grigor Dimitrov has always confessed to Federer as being his role model. Being one of the most successful players on tour, Roger Federer is often heard giving advice to players. The same was the case with Dimitrov. During an interview, Dimitrov recalled the time he received one of the best messages from Federer.

Grigor Dimitrov recalls Roger Federer’s best advice

Dimitrov has played a number of nail-biting matches in his career. However, one match that remains on the top of the list is his 2017 Australian Open encounter with Rafael Nadal. Having a phenomenal run in the tournament, both players met each other in the semifinals. The two had previously met in 2016 Beijing, with Grigor winning in straight sets.

Seeking revenge, Nadal kicked off the match by winning the first set with ease. However, a Bulgarian storm was yet to come. What looked like a one-sided match soon turned into an intense battle with Dimitrov making a comeback and winning the second set. One set all, both players raised their game, going toe-to-toe in the next two sets. Two sets all, it was Nadal who finally came out victorious in the 4 hours 56-minute-long battle.

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Even though Dimitrov lost, it was undoubtedly one of the most intense matches of his career. This was also the match that prompted Federer to give one of his best messages to Dimitrov.

Recalling the time, Dimitrov said, “One of the best massages I’ve ever received from him was after I played that match against Rafael Nadal in Australia.”

Asked about the message, The Bulgarian gave a laugh, as he refrained from opening up on the advice. However, he admitted that he still has the message. He said, “I won’t tell (laughs). But I still keep the message, I like it.”

Asked if he still reads it sometimes, Dimitrov took no time to say a ‘Yes’

Dimitrov on the tour

Following three back-to-back early round losses in the Australian Open, Delray Beach, and Acapulco, Grigor made a comeback at the Indian Wells Masters, reaching the quarterfinals. Going further, he suffered a second-round loss in Miami, before making a comeback and reaching the semifinals in Monte Carlo.

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He is currently in Spain for the ATP 500 Barcelona Open. Entering the tournament, the Bulgarian has received a first-round bye and will start his campaign from the second round.