Erste Bank Open: Grigor Dimitrov - An old friend as a guarantee of success?
Grigor Dimitrov is in his first semi-final at the Erste Bank Open since the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo. Daniel Vallverdu , an old acquaintance, is partly responsible for this.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Oct 28, 2022, 10:45 pm
by Nikolaus Fink from the Wiener Stadthalle
If you look into Grigor Dimitrov 's box these days, you will spot an old acquaintance: Daniel Vallverdu. Since the ATP 250 tournament in Stockholm, the Bulgarian has been working with the 36-year-old trainer again, for the time being the partnership between the two is limited to the end of this season. In view of Dimitrov's performance at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, a continuation of the employment relationship does not seem unlikely.
"I think that's great for both of us. We're spending these weeks together now. Nothing is fixed for the time after that," said Dimitrov on tennisnet - query about the partnership. "We get along very well. We've been good friends over the years."
Great successes under Vallverdu
Dimitrov worked with Vallverdu from 2016 to 2019 and experienced his most successful period under the Venezuelan's aegis. The Bulgarian advanced to third place in the world rankings and won, among other things, the ATP Finals 2017. To date, by the way, this is still Dimitrov's last title.
Once notorious as a child prodigy, Dimitrov has had to go through numerous valleys in recent years. Of course he was disappointed not to have made more of his undoubtedly great talent, but "I don't want to live in the past". "I still play tennis. And as long as I play tennis, I have a chance. Right?"
Dimitrov continues to dream of a major title
"Of course," said Dimitrov, he is still pursuing the goal of winning a Grand Slam title. He may also receive long-term support from Vallverdu in this endeavor. "His return gave me a lot of structure. That's exactly what I was looking for," enthused the 31-year-old. "We have a great time together. The results are the logical consequence."
Before Dimitrov thinks about his coaching situation any further, the semi-finals in Vienna are still on the agenda for him. In this, the world number 32 meets. on Daniil Medvedev. "I'll focus on myself. Then we'll see what I can bring to the pitch," said Dimitrov.
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Here the individual tableau in Vienna
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