“Our paths split. We experienced wonderful moments together. I wish her much happiness and success in life and in tennis,” said Grigor Dimitrov, on confirming his break-up with Maria Sharapova. “Now I’m concentrated entirely on the game and I’m sure the results will soon be seen… This is the summer of the new beginning for me.” After also splitting with coach Roger Rasheed, Dimitrov is certainly abiding by the latter statement.
Juan Martin Del Potro recently announced that he had parted company with his coach, Franco Davin, and trainer Martiniano Orazi. The Argentinian has been cursed with a severe wrist injury, and has recently had surgery on it for the third time. In an emotional message last month, there was the heavy implication that this latest operation was Del Potro’s last chance to salvage his career. The career of Grigor Dimitrov may not be in such dire straits, however the Bulgarian has certainly suffered from a turbulent year of form following a promising 2014. “Especially this year, I’ve had quite a few difficulties to cooperate with the situation that I’m not playing as good as last year,” said Dimitrov after the split with Rasheed. “It comes down to a bit of mental strength, something that you really need to sort of look at it and maybe see what you can do different.” Roger Rasheed had been praised during last year for the reform that he brought about in Dimitrov’s game – principally the improvements in fitness and work-rate. The Australian ushered in an extra dimension and with it, the best form of Dimitrov’s career. Dimitrov’s comments above though, indicate that Rasheed may have fallen short in aiding him with the mental side of things; to thus haul him out of the lacklustre performances of late.
Grigor Dimitrov had parted with Rasheed after a third round defeat at Wimbledon to Richard Gasquet. Dimitrov had scooped three ATP titles last year, including Queens, yet had only reached two semifinals this year – Istanbul and Brisbane; he also failed to mount a serious defence of his Queens title, crashing out in the second round to Gilles Muller. There have been some good points this year, such as a fourth round appearance at the Australian Open and two wins over Stan Wawrinka on clay but there has been vast inconsistencies in Dimitrov’s performances – the sort of characteristic which was thought to be banished from his game after the widely thought of ‘watershed’ moment of reaching the Wimbledon semis last year.
But perhaps it was inevitable for there to be a come-down from the dizzying heights of last year, although many expected Dimitrov to become a secure top 10 player. The Bulgarian’s candid response to his drop certainly suggests the same and perhaps warrants some praise. But his recent changes will only really earn some respect if the results he assures will come, do come. With the US Open only just over a month away, and ATP Masters events such as Montreal and Cincinnati approaching, Dimitrov will soon be thrust in the spotlight for his post-Rasheed appraisal. Yet, a new coach has not been appointed and increasingly, Dimitrov’s decision to part with Rasheed is being seen as little knee-jerk with no replacement having been immediately waiting in the wings to scoop up the mantle. Such an impulsive decision – a courageous statement or a hot-headed upheaval?
But when Grigor Dimitrov does appoint his new coach, who will it be? Rumours are that it will be Ivan Lendl, definitely a surprise considering that Lendl parted company as Andy Murray’s coach because he “couldn’t commit enough time to do the job properly”, and wanted to focus on his projects elsewhere, such as his academy in South Carolina. He had also rejected an offer to coach Tomas Berdych late last year. However, the Czech former World #1 has been seen on court in Florida with Dimitrov–a heavy suggestion that a partnership will soon come to fruition.
So, Grigor Dimitrov could be joining the ever-growing number of elite players who are being coached by the former elites of the last few decades. If it’s some mental steel that Dimitrov seeks, then Lendl is surely the best man to help him with that and the best man to ultimately, aid him in vowing to regain a place amongst the World’s top 10.
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