Tennis Tour Tidbits – Djokovic, Fish, Dimitrov, Ivanovic and more…

Written by: Staff on 3rd May 2013

Tennis Tour Tidbits - Djokovic, Fish, Dimitrov, Ivanovic and more...

epa03671712 Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns to Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 21 April 2013. EPA/GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO |

Grigor Dimitrov said that growing up under the eyes of his father Dimitar, a tennis coach in their native city of Haskovo in Bulgaria, tennis was first and foremost on his mind. “I actually never thought of any other sport,” Dimitrov, told CNN. “The only thing I was always telling my parents was: ‘I just want to play tennis.’ . . .

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is being accompanied this week in Estoril by her new coach, former No. 1 Martina Hingis and says that she’s listening. “It’s easier to hear your coach when her name is Martina Hingis,” she said. . .

Spanish Davis Cup captain Alex Corretja says that Spain needs more Challengers so that its young players have proper places to climb the rankings ladder. “For new players, having these tournaments is vital, as is a [stronger] economy, so they can play at home.”. . .

Jarrko Nieminen, who is on his 13th year on tour, says that he is benefiting from all the experience he has built up. “ I really try to enjoy every moment,” he said. That gives kind of re-laxness to my game. I think I’m also better aware of doing the right things on the court. I really know my weaknesses and strengths, and I can play better with my strengths, aware of how my opponents are playing.” . . .

Serbians Ana Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic will appear on the Spanish talk show “El Hormiguero” on Tuesday as part of a promotion for the Madrid tournament…

Former world no.1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov, who at the 1996 French Open won both the singles and doubles titles, doubts whether his notable accomplishment will be repeated in the foreseeable future. Nalbandian said: “The top guys don’t play doubles during the Grand Slams. However playing doubles really helped develop my game and you get to work on volleys and how to return serve.”

Mardy Fish is not retiring now but is skipping the clay season…

ATP CEO Brad Drewitt passed away from ALS…

Topics: Alex Corretja, Ana Ivanovic, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Brad Drewitt, GRIGOR DIMITROV, Jarrko Nieminen, Mardy Fish, Martina Hingis, Mutua Madrid Open, Novak Djokovic, Sports, Tennis News