Grigor Dimitrov Q&A: A Bulgarian In Paris

Written by: Staff on 29th May 2012

Grigor Dimitrov Q&A: A Bulgarian In Paris |

Player Q&A

by Kate Flory

Original Link: (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/05/22/Roland-Garros-Q-And-A-Dimitrov.aspx)

World No. 87 Grigor Dimitrov is one of the most talented young prospects on the ATP World Tour. On Tuesday, the 21-year-old Bulgarian won a main draw match at Roland Garros for the first time when he defeated American Donald Young 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-1. Afterwards, he caught up with ATPWorldTour.com to share his top Paris sightseeing tips and his Top 50 ambitions.

Grigor, your first win at Roland Garros, you must be delighted with that?
Oh yeah, definitely. Especially with me living here in Paris, it’s a great feeling. I’ve been waiting for this tournament for quite a long time and I’m pretty happy to go through the first round. What a great day to play today as well. Everything has been quite good and I feel great. I live by myself in Paris, but all my relatives came to watch me, so there was just a great feeling today. My Mum and Dad, friends, everyone was here and they were supporting me all the way. I was glad I could close it out in three sets as well.

What makes Roland Garros special for you? How is it different to the other Grand Slams?
It’s on clay courts [laughs]. I think first of all the place is great. There’s tonnes of people that are attending the tournament. People are appreciating this tournament a lot. I think it’s always a special place. It’s the summer so everyone is feeling quite well, everyone’s been practising and in the rhythm. So you really can see who has played well and who is ready to continue the year in a good style.

You mentioned you live in Paris, what’s your top sightseeing tip for people visiting the city?
I live actually a little bit outside of the city. I’m not a city boy, definitely. I live in the countryside. But in the city there’s obviously tonnes of restaurants you can visit. There’s lounges and of course the Louvre – it’s well known worldwide. All these sites you can just check out. There’s tonnes of things to do, you’re never bored.

You’ve come close to the Top 50 before, what do you think you need to do to take that next step?
It’s always nice to be consistent of course. Every player is travelling for that. I think if you are consistent and injury free and improve your game all the time, working on special things, you automatically become better. Everything is starting to become more fluid for you and automatically you win more matches, get more points and the ranking goes up. Personally, I think I can improve a bunch of things. I just have to take a little time. I’m not worried about it.

What do you like to do in your free time? How do you relax away from the court?
I’m quite a laidback guy. I like to stay home and chill a little bit. I’ve been biking a lot in the countryside, especially when the weather is like this. It’s just amazing trying to find everything around you. I’m quite an easy guy, I like movies.

Bulgaria aren’t involved in the European Championships this summer, but are you a football fan? Will you be following the Euros?
I’m not a fan like some of the other guys on tour, but I like soccer, I play quite often. I try to enjoy it as much as possible. In my free time I play a lot of soccer and I follow sometimes whatever’s happening in the world.

Topics: GRIGOR DIMITROV, Roland Garros