Grigor Dimitrov had just lost a grueling, two-plus-hour, three-set match to Jakub Mensik in Shanghai three weeks ago. Most vanquished players head straight to the locker room and get out of the arena quickly.
But Dimitrov is no ordinary guy. One of the most well-liked and respected competitors on the ATP Tour, Dimitrov understands his role as a leader in tennis. So, here was, on the phone, answering questions, earnestly and honestly, into the later hours of the evening.
At 33, Dimitrov is experiencing a renaissance at a time when many of his contemporaries are contemplating retirement. Once called Baby Fed because his stunning one-handed backhand resembled that of Roger Federer, Dimitrov ranked a career-high No. 3 in 2017. Barely in the top 30 at the start of 2023, he is now No. 9. Runner-up to Novak Djokovic at last year’s Paris Masters, Dimitrov stands just off the pace in the race to qualify for this year’s ATP Finals.
The following conversation has been edited and condensed.
Some players have trouble staying motivated by the end of the season. Do you?
When you’ve competed so many years, you really don’t think about it that much. Whether it’s going to be my last tournament or it’s going to help me get to the Finals, it’s stressful for every player, but everyone carries it differently. I always know that it’s good to finish the year on a good note.
What’s the key for you to play well indoors?
I like the way the surface plays out. It’s softer on the legs. It’s basically like playing on wood, and I grew up [in Bulgaria] playing on wood so I can relate to it very nicely, and it brings back good memories.
What keeps you calm in tense situations?
You reach a point where you appreciate those tense moments. It never gets old. Because no matter how good you are or how many years you have on tour, everyone gets nervous. I’ve always been very mindful of that. So, I focus on the basics, my breathing, whatever else I can do. Once you’re into the rallies, you live in that moment.
You broke back into the top 10 for the first time since 2018 this year. What did that mean to you?
It meant a lot for different reasons. I had my own battles, I was dealing with things, and I had my own race to run. I was able to beat myself in a good way.
You had to pull out of Wimbledon and the U.S. Open because of injuries this year. Does that make you think about what comes after tennis?
Right now I’m in a place where I’m really enjoying what I do. You get hooked up with what you have to do, and you don’t have time to think. When I have downtime, my thoughts start drifting. I always say, after tennis the real life begins.
What tennis goals do you have left, if any?
One of the most important things is to keep my body because I’m so reliant on it right now. When you have things you cannot control it’s difficult, especially mentally. I think we don’t talk about the mental aspect enough. There’s so much mental health work that needs to be done. I try to focus on working hard from the inside out.
What brings you the most joy?
I wish I could say winning tournaments or just practicing brings me joy. Everything brings me joy. I love riding cars and motorcycles and flying. I love preparing for a match. I want that adrenaline in my life.
Do you have any regrets?
I’ve experienced a lot of misfortunes in my life, which not many people know. Whoever judges me, I don’t mind it because only I know my story and what it cost to get to this performance. Trying to explain myself, why I didn’t do this or didn’t do that, I could have been better. OK, cool. But at the same time, there were two or three times I was about to retire from the sport. Everyone is going to go, “But why?” There’s no “Why” right now; there’s just forward now.
