“Dark Moment”: Grigor Dimitrov Throws Light on Coronavirus Trauma After Win at Western & Southern Open

The pandemic had put tennis in the back seats in March. But now after 5 months, tennis is back. Cautiously everyone is adapting to the new normals. And as the Western and Southern Open restarted the ATP season, Grigor Dimitrov who tested positive for the coronavirus 2 months ago won his first-round match against Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-4.

Dimitrov was bedridden due to the virus. And constantly was worried about the long term implications of the virus on his body. He couldn’t practice much and was unable to properly walk at first. But defying all odds the Bulgarian tried everything and came to New York and seems to be back at his best.

“I’m just purely thankful that I’m even able to just be here, to participate” – Grigor Dimitrov

After his match, Dimitrov gave his honest expectations and reason around coming to the US. Dimitrov just wanted to be fit and able to participate.

“I said to myself, `I’ll give it a try.’ Now I’m here playing a match today,” Dimitrov said

“Honestly, I’m just purely thankful that I’m even able to just be here, to participate. Forget about the match — I’m not even talking about tennis right now,” he added

Dimitrov also spoke about his road to recovery. He had trouble walking. And lost a lot of weight. He couldn’t work on his body and tennis was far away.

“The first week was just tragic. I started by just walking, I couldn’t really do any exercise. I could not lift weights, I couldn’t play tennis,” he said

“It was a really dark moment. I’m not going to lie,” he added

Read More: How and Where to Watch the Western & Southern Open 2020?

A few weeks ago it looked like Dimitrov would not be fit enough to play, but yesterday on the court the Bulgarian looked in great form and got an easy win.

Next Dimitrov will face Marton Fucsovic in the second round. And given how well he played in the first round this should seem like a routine win for the Bulgarian.