Roger Federer Set to Face ‘New Grigor Dimitrov’ at the US Open 2019

Former world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov set up a quarterfinal match with the five-time champion Roger Federer after defeating Alex De Minaur in the fourth round of the US Open 2019 on Sunday.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion praised the Bulgarian ahead of their quarterfinals match at the Flushing Meadows. Roger Federer suggested that he now faces a new Dimitrov, who is enjoying a resurgence at the US Open 2019, reaching his first tour-level quarter-final since January.

Federer said in an interview, “I practiced with him in Cincy. He was the guy I practiced with first when I just came off the plane. I know Grigor very well. He’s a good friend of mine. It was fun having him also at the Laver Cup last time around. I spent a week there with him.”

Roger Federer also seemed pleased with Dimitrov’s growth in the last two years as he said, “I’m happy that things are going better for him after he won Cincinnati a couple of years ago now, last year, a couple of years ago I guess it is now. Also the World Tour Finals. He had a bit of a slump.”

Grigor Dimitrov will play his first quarterfinals at the US Open on Tuesday and the Swiss understand that it is a big match for him.

Also, Federer and Dimitrov have previously met each other seven times in their career but the 28-year-old has never won a match against the 20-time Grand Slam champion. However, the 38-year-old feels that he will face a different Dimitrov this time around.

He said, “This is the big quarters for him, obviously with an opportunity against me. I’m aware of the fact it’s a big match for him. I’ve done well against him in the past. But a new match, new Grigor, new me again. I don’t know where we’re going to be, if it’s day or night, all that stuff.”

Roger Federer further revealed that he likes watching the ‘Baby Fed’ in action as the two play in a similar style.

He concluded, “I like watching him. I like playing against him. Of course, when we play, it’s as close as it gets to being a similar playing style. I think for both of us it’s cool to play one another.”