Timing is everything both in life and tennis. Grigor Dimitrov, the 23-year-old Bulgarian, dubbed “baby Fed” is scheduled to play Mr. Federer next week in an exhibition at Madison Square Garden. Based on his current form, dip in the rankings and Roger’s recent straight set win over Novak in the final in Dubai, I suspect Dimitrov is relieved this is not an ATP-sanctioned match.
Grigor Dimitrov reached a career high ranking of eight in the world on August 4, 2014 following his impressive run to the semis at Wimbledon. Grigor, with four career ATP tour titles, is currently ranked eleven in the world following a disappointing start to the 2015 season.
In the semi-final at the Brisbane International, Grigor lost to Roger Federer in straights in under an hour. At the Australian Open, seeded tenth, Dimitrov needed five sets to defeat Marcos Baghdatis in the third round then lost in the following round in four sets to eventual finalist, Andy Murray.
At the Rotterdam Open, Dimitrov saved two match points in his opening match only to lose in straight sets to Gilles Muller in the following round. At the Acapulco, Mexico event, Dimitrov, the number three seed and defending champion, lost in the second round to the American qualifier, Ryan Harrison.
Undeniably, though the season is young, Dimitrov has failed to replicate the notable victories from the previous year and is currently 8-34 versus top ten players. During his impressive 2014 season, Grigor won three titles on three surfaces and made the semis at Wimbledon, losing in four sets to eventual champion Novak Djokovic.
In addition, last season was punctuated with several early round losses to unseeded players. Irrefutably, Dimitrov has the skill and technique of a top ten player but his mental focus and physical stamina are dubious for he lost a handful of matches after being up a set. Since 2013, Dimitrov has been coached by Roger Rasheed who previously worked with Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Lleyton Hewitt and Gael Monfils. If anyone can get into a player’s head and legs, it’s Rasheed.
Inarguably, Dimitrov has the game for grass with a potent serve, lethal slice backhand and excellent volley technique, no doubt the result of his frequent doubles play. Though he is quick around the court, I am sceptical that he possesses the physical endurance requisite to progress deep at the French Open.
His best result to date at Roland Garros was in 2013 where he lost in third round. Last year at the French, Dimitrov seeded 11th, lost in the first round in straight sets to Ivo Karlovic. The terre battue, with best of five sets, requires both physical and mental stamina and I am not convinced he possesses either.
Grigor Dimitrov will face-off against the Swiss legend and seventeen time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer next week at the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden. If Dimitrov hopes to permanently shake the moniker bestowed upon him by tennis pundits, he must significantly augment his physical as well as mental conditioning. 2015 could be make or break for the young Bulgarian and all eyes, including mine, will be watching on March 10th to see whether “baby Fed” has finally grown up.
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