Grigor Dimitrov is on a roll at the Shanghai Masters after defeating both Zizou Bergs and Alexei Popyrin to advance to the fourth-round.
Bulgaria’s smooth operator Grigor Dimitrov is relishing his resurgence this year – A strong start in Shanghai is merely the latest episode in this re-enlivened chapter of his career.
The 33-year-old, somewhat situated in between tennis generations, was a late call-up to Team Europe’s Laver Cup squad, winning his only singles match against Alejandro Tabilo.
Since, Dimitrov has taken some time off, pulling out of the Beijing Open to focus on the Shanghai Masters.
It has seemingly paid off too, with the Bulgarian putting together two smart wins, with the latest over the most recent Masters 1000 winner Alexei Popyrin, who shocked his way to the Montreal title in August.
Grigor Dimitrov names ‘greatest’ career lesson after achieving ATP Masters milestone
After his opening defeat of Zizou Bergs, Dimitrov was told it was actually his 100th Masters level win of his career, prompting some shock and some reflection.
“It’s fun, 100 is a lot, many Masters 1000. I think everything that comes my way now is purely beneficial. One of the greatest things I have learned over the years is to appreciate what we do,” Dimitrov said via Punto de break.
“I think longevity, when you look back and think about it, let’s say I have been on the circuit for 16 years, it hits you in a fun way, in a good way. And suddenly you see the past too far, so I try not to think too much about it, especially being here now,” the 33-year-old, who made his ATP Tour debut in 2008, added.
“Because let’s be honest, I am more on that other side than on this one. I am clearly aware of that, but I don’t try to chase numbers or achieve things in that sense. It’s more about that, whatever happens, it’s an extra for me at this moment considering everything I have gone through both on and off the court.”
Acknowledging he’s far closer to retirement than many of his contemporaries in the top 20, Dimitrov explained his mantra as he wrestles with this prospect.
“A big part of my career is also similar to my life off the courts. You want to make some changes, but at the same time, those changes only affect your career more than anything else. It’s a give-and-take until you finish.
“I still have a lot of tennis ahead of me. It’s more about how I manage it and how I put myself in a position to enjoy every moment I step out to play and not think too much about the result.
“It’s very complicated, especially when you play very well and you are in the top 10 and still want more, but you need, I don’t know if it’s patience or more consistency. But I just believe that if you put it all together, in the end, it all depends on you.”
Who does Grigor Dimitrov play next in Shanghai?
The ninth-seed made light-work of notching up his 101st Masters victory and will have his 102nd well within his sights.
In a meeting of old and new, Dimitrov is set to face Czech 19-year-old record-breaker Jakub Mensik, who shocked Andrey Rublev in round two.
The teenager, currently sitting one off his career-high of 64, can rise to 51st in the live projected rankings with a win against the Bulgarian.
The pair played earlier this year in Madrid, with the teenager coming through in a tense three-set battle.
With Dimitrov also up to 40 wins this season and looking to qualify for the ATP finals, the stakes continue to be sky-high.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
