Grigor Dimitrov is one of the most exciting personalities on the tour. Turning pro in 2008, the Bulgarian has unquestionably developed a name for himself on the professional circuit. However, following his similar game style to Swiss maestro Roger Federer, Dimitrov was often referred to as ‘Baby Roger’ during his early days on the tour. Even though many of the players might take it as a compliment, that wasn’t the case with Dimitrov. During an interview, the 30-year-old expressed how he felt being referred to by that nickname.

Coming from the generation of the ’90s, just like any other budding player, Dimitrov also idolized Federer. Turning pro at the age of 17, Dimitrov’s style of play caught attention owing to similarities between his game compared and that of Roger Federer’s. No doubt, the tennis community labeled him as ‘Baby Roger’ in his early days.

Dimitrov on being referred to as ‘Baby Roger’

Like any other young player, it was initially one of the biggest compliments for Dimitrov. However, as he grew in his career, the compliment soon began turning into a point of conflict for him. Recalling the phase, Dimitrov said, “I appreciated it so much at the beginning. I felt appreciation at the beginning. But then with time, I was like, “Come on, it’s getting old.”

World No. 23 further went on elaborating on the points of conflict he had when people referred to him by that name. Frustrated by the nickname, the 2017 ATP Finals winner also confessed how he reacted to people who used to say this.

He said, “Yes, we have some sort of similarities. But we’re totally different and we play so differently. I appreciate the fact of it. But there were times when I started resenting the people that were saying it because I didn’t care anymore about this fact.”

Grigor Dimitrov explains how the nickname eventually died

In a career spanning over a decade, Grigor has undoubtedly positioned himself as a separate individual. With Masters 1000 and Nitto ATP Finals titles to his name, Dimitrov has proved himself to be a player worthy of having an individual identity. Speaking about his comparisons with Federer, the former World No. 3 said, “I thought I’d proved myself over the years to be a completely different player than he is. Of course, we are not even talking about achievements, but just as a player itself. So, that’s why I was very happy that this nickname died.”

Grigor Dimitrov on the tour

After a respectable start to the clay-court season at the Monte-Carlo Masters, Grigor Dimitrov enters Barcelona Open as the 14th seed this week. The Bulgarian will kickstart his Barcelona Open campaign on Wednesday against the winner of the Marcos Giron-Federico Coria clash.

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Can Dimitrov dig deep in Barcelona to claim his first title of the 2022 season?