Roger Federer: Grigor Dimitrov’s On A High Right Now, He’s Got The Game To Be Really Dangerous

by Tom Gainey | January 20th, 2016, 10:30 am
  • 24 Comments

Roger Federer has rolled through his first two rounds at the Australian Open, winning over Nikolasz Basilishvili and today Alexandr Dolgoplov 63, 75, 61.

But ahead in a third round clash with the man who plays just like him, Grigor Dimitriov who needed four sets to beat an Argentinian qualifier. The Bulgarian has never beaten Federer including a loss to him in Brisbane, but Federer is wary of the challenge against the Sydney finalist.

“He’s, on a high right now,” Federer said. “I think it’s a tough draw, to be honest. He’s got the game to be really dangerous. He’s fit enough for a five-setter, so, yeah, I mean, gotta definitely bring my best game to the court.”


Dimitrov is looking forward to the opportunity.

“I mean, it’s exciting match for me, you know, to be able to get to the third round and play against him. You know, it’s a good start,” Dimitrov said. “I’m out here to perform the best way I can, and hopefully, you know, I can play better tennis and sort of play better I think than Brisbane and maybe do couple of things different that I thought I could have done back then.”

Federer brought some of his best serving numbers out against Dolgopolov smacking 25 aces in the win.

“I thought today I did serve very well,” said Federer who didn’t face a single break point. “Maybe just matched up well with maybe Dolgopolov maybe wasn’t seeing it as well. But also conditions are fast during the daytime, so that helps to be able to serve through opponents.

“It’s also harder to return, clearly. I’m happy I got crucial first break in the first set. I think it was a big set for me. Then second set was the key, really, because it was close for a while. I had missed some chances.

“I was keeping it up, you know, serving well, keeping the pressure on, and finally then found the break end of the second.”

The 34-year-old Federer is seeking a 5th Australian Open title and first Grand Slam since 2012 Wimbledon.


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24 Comments for Roger Federer: Grigor Dimitrov’s On A High Right Now, He’s Got The Game To Be Really Dangerous

Wog Boy Says:

It really awkward to play against somebody who is managing you affairs, or to be more precise, your manager.


jane Says:

is federer grigor’s manager wog boy? wouldnt that be “conflict of interest”?


Wog Boy Says:

Yes jane, he is his manager, even commentators here were questioning that kind of relationship of two active players, I think it was Roger influence that Grigor takes Delpo’s coach too, since he is Delpo’s manager too. It is closed shop;)


jane Says:

how could fed be grigor’s manager? i don’t understand. they are both active players?


Wog Boy Says:

jane,
When Roger left ING (or IMG or whatever) he established his own company with his long time manager and started signing players, first two big names he signed were Delpo and Grigor, few years back.


jake Says:

I have to hear this from Fed himself.
This does not make any sense.


Wog Boy Says:

Why don’t you call him..


Wog Boy Says:

I am good man and I’ll save you phone call:

“He also admit that the agency was, in part, created to give Federer a platform after he retires from professional competition.”

http://www.stevegtennis.com/2013/12/federer-starts-sports-management-agency-team8-signs-dimitrov-and-del-potro/


Tennisfan Says:

…that doesn’t make Roger his manager. The manager is different to the owner of the firm. None of the top players have the time to be their own manager, let alone someone else’s.


Wog Boy Says:

..and your point is?


Wog Boy Says:

…and don’t be so defensive.


Wog Boy Says:

Roger is taking advantage of his status to lure young players into his company while he is still active player, it is quite different story if he is already retired, do you want me to spell or draw it so you can understand it better.

“He is taking advantage of his status and positon while still active player”…keep repeating and you might understand it.

Tell me any other player present or past that did that while still playing?


Tennisfan Says:

Oh whatever. Some people can’t even admit when they’re wrong. You said Fed’s his manager which isn’t correct so I pointed that out.


Wog Boy Says:

Roger is basically the owner, meaning he is everything and his word is the last one…don’t be so defensive..


J-Kath Says:

Yep Wogboy…riding to your rescue -Grigor is part of what is often referred to as the Federer stable. There’s not really a conflict of interest, except it just feels that way.


Tennisfan Says:

Is it really that hard for you to admit you’re wrong? If anyone spreads misinformation then at some point they’ll be corrected. A simple google search shows his manager is someone called Georgi Stoimenov.


Wog Boy Says:

Is it so hard to understand difference between company that represents you and is managing your affairs and you are contracted to them and Georgi Stoimenov who is his agent, PR manager or in between man for communication with team8, I am coming over to draw the picture to you it might be easier.


Tennisfan Says:

Oh jeez. Look at your own first 2 comments. If you hadn’t written that then I wouldn’t have said a thing. To quote your own words- you called Roger Grigor’s “manager.” This is like talking to a brick wall. Whatever, have it as you will then.


Wog Boy Says:

JK,
Thanks:)


Wog Boy Says:

Why are you so defensive..I coming over..


Wog Boy Says:

I’ll get back to you when plane lands in Sydney, I am not being rude just have to switch my phone off.


Tennisfan Says:

My last sentence was basically agreeing to disagree so no need to bother getting back (Y)


Wog Boy Says:

OK, if you don’t want to talk to me, fine, but that is not nice and makes me feel rejected and lonely…I’ll survive..


the_mind_reels Says:

As far as I’m concerned, managing a brand (which is what Federer’s agency is about) and managing someone’s athletic career from a coaching perspective are two different things. If anything, Federer wants those in his “stable” to succeed wildly, but I hardly doubt any of that gets in the way of two of them playing against each other. Both are professional athletes — both want to win. I don’t really see the conflict.

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