‘Baby Fed’ beginning to show signs of growing up
Print Edition
He’s been called “Baby Fed” for his Roger Federer-like one-handed backhands, and is also known as the boyfriend of Maria Sharapova.
Yesterday, Grigor Dimitrov made the spotlight for his talent at the Australian Open.
The 22-year-old Bulgarian, considered one of the up-and-coming players on the men’s tour, is starting to live up to expectations. Which is why he and his coach are trying to phase out the nickname.
“We have said it loud and clear, that my name is Grigor,” Dimitrov said, when asked if the namesake was a thing of the past.
“I think I am proving that every day and every match that I’m winning out here in the Slams,” he added. “I think that page is definitely in the past now.”
Dimitrov advanced to the second week of a major for the first time when he converted his fifth match point to beat Canadian powerhouse No. 11 Milos Raonic, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10).
It was the latest milestone for the No. 22-seeded Dimitrov, playing with a seeding for the first time in Melbourne. It was also the first time in four trips he has moved past the second round at the Australian Open.
Dimitrov’s excitement was palpable after the match.
“First time for me to be in the second week!” he said, beaming at the crowd. “I guess I’ll see you guys next week.”
While Dimitrov is trying to make his own name, he does share some similarities with Federer, according to the 17-time Grand Slam winner himself.
“I like his game. Clearly I can relate to him, how he plays,” Federer said. “We both have a one-handed backhand and we like to play sort of athletic tennis, you know, which is offensive.”
They also now share the same agent.
“I think he has what it takes to move up,” Federer said. “I think this year is going to be very important for him to make a big step in the rankings. Start knocking on the door of the top 10.”
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
