Grigor Dimitrov Bio: The Journey of Bulgaria’s ‘Baby Federer’  

Grigor Dimitrov, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of his era, has amazed audiences with his refined style of play and sheer grit. Born on May 16, 1991, in Haskovo, Bulgaria, Dimitrov’s rise from a small-town kid to international tennis hero is truly motivational. Famed for his silky one-handed backhand and all-court game, he has drawn comparisons to all-time great Roger Federer, gaining the nickname “Baby Fed” in his early days. 

Dimitrov became a professional in 2008 and rapidly rose through the ranks, demonstrating his talent with triumphs against leading players. His success story unfolded in 2014 when he won several ATP titles and advanced to his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon. Through all the ups and downs, Dimitrov’s determination drove him to his greatest victory—winning the 2017 ATP Finals, establishing himself among the top-shelf players. 

Aside from his success on the court, Dimitrov is also revered for his sportsmanship and generosity. This blog delves into his background, career highlights, playing style, personal hobbies, and mental outlook that helps him achieve victory. 

Early Life and Background 

• Born: May 16, 1991, in Haskovo, Bulgaria. 

Family background

• Father, Dimitar, was a tennis coach. 

• Mother, Maria, a sports teacher and former volleyball player. 

• First held a racket at age three; by five, he was playing tennis daily under his father’s guidance. 

• Showed extraordinary talent early, prompting a move to more advanced training environments once he outgrew what local coaching could offer. 

Key training milestones 

• Joined the Sanchez-Casal Academy (Spain) at age 16, mentored by Emilio Sánchez and Pato Álvarez. 

• Later moved to Paris to train at Patrick Mouratoglou’s renowned academy, laying the foundation for his all-court playing style and tactical maturity. 

Career Overview and Playing Style 

• Turned pro: 2008 

• Nickname: “Baby Fed,” for his stylistic and technical similarities to Roger Federer. 

• Height/Weight: 6’3” (191cm), 178 lbs (81kg). 

Playing style essentials

• Plays right-handed, utilizes a revered one-handed backhand. 

• Fluid, elegant movement, excellent court coverage. 

• Adaptable to all surfaces; has won ATP titles on hard, clay, and grass. 

• Strong serve and sharp net game, often coming forward to finish points with crisp volleys. 

Technical features

• Forehand: Semi-western grip, heavy spin, powerful and accurate—though some critics wish he’d flatten it out more often. 

• Backhand: Technically flawless, flexible, capable of top-spin, flat shots, and arguably one of the game’s best slices. 

• Serve: Smooth motion, highly effective, but with unique elements differing slightly from Federer’s model. 

• Noted for his natural touch and quick improvisation around the net. 

Major Career Milestones 

Junior triumphs 

• World No. 1 junior in 2008. 

• Won boys’ singles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open in the same year. 

ATP landmark achievements

• First Bulgarian man to win an ATP singles title (Stockholm Open, 2013). 

• Nine career ATP singles titles spanning all three surfaces. 

• Career-high ATP ranking: No. 3 (November 2017). 

ATP Finals Champion (2017)

• Won the season-ending ATP Finals in London, defeating top players like Dominic Thiem, Pablo Carreño Busta, Jack Sock, and David Goffin in the final. 

Masters 1000 glory 

• Captured the Cincinnati Masters (2017) without dropping a set. 

Grand Slam semifinals 

• Wimbledon (2014): Beat defending champ Andy Murray en route to the last four. 

• Australian Open (2017): Epic five-set loss to Rafael Nadal in the semifinals. 

• US Open (2019): Stunned Federer in a five-set quarterfinal comeback. 

Consistent presence

• Over 58 consecutive Grand Slam appearances. 

• Surpassed 470 career wins and $30 million in prize money. 

Break-Through Moments 

• Winning the ATP Finals in 2017—catapulting him to world No. 3 and cementing his place among the game’s elite. 

• Beating several members of the Big Four (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray) at least once during his career. 

• Technically versatile, he is among the few active players to have reached the quarterfinals at all four Grand Slams and every Masters 1000 event (as of 2024). 

Notable resurgence in 2024

• Captured the Brisbane International, his first title in six years. 

• Finalist at the Miami Masters, re-entering the ATP top 10. 

Personal Life and Interests 

Off-court, Dimitrov Relationships

• Dated tennis star Maria Sharapova (2012-2015). 

• Later in a relationship with Nicole Scherzinger (2015-2019), followed by links to businesswoman Lolita Osmanova and Romanian actress Mădălina Ghenea. 

• Currently (as of 2025), romantically involved with Mexican actress Eiza González. 

• Languages: Bulgarian and English. 

• Passionate about sports cars, computers, and luxury watches. 

• Family legacy: His cousin, Alexander Vasilev, is an emerging tennis player. 

• Known for his media-friendly personality and was once voted among the top five most marketable athletes in Europe. 

Playing Philosophy and Mentality 

Resilience through adversity 

• Dimitrov credits both on-court and off-court challenges with shaping his competitive “ruthlessness.” 

• Emphasizes that “sport and life go hand-in-hand,” using tennis as both a professional and personal growth tool. 

Approach to pressure 

• Balances competitive drive with a focus on etiquette and camaraderie. 

• Known for his sportsmanship, winning the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award. 

Mindset quotes 

• “If I didn’t have [ruthlessness], I wouldn’t be here right now… you can be the nicest guy off the court but on it you can be a total… that’s how it is. You want to win.” 

• Often reflects on the importance of being present and maintaining perspective in both victory and adversity. 

• Dedicated to self-improvement, often writing down three things he’s thankful for every night before sleep. 

Short Summary on Grigor Dimitrov

• Prodigious start: Picked up tennis at age three; coached by his father before moving to elite academies in Spain and France. 

• All-surface champion: Titles won on hard, clay, and grass; excelled at every Grand Slam and Masters 1000 event. 

• Signature style: Fluid, creative player admired for his one-handed backhand, strong forehand, and net skills; compared favorably to Federer. 

• Highs and lows: Breakthrough at the 2017 ATP Finals; persevered through career slumps for long-term success. 

• Role model: Frequently cited for sportsmanship, positive attitude, and a balanced life approach. 

• Off-court persona: Speaks multiple languages, enjoys cars and tech, and is a fixture in headlines for his relationships. 

Grigor Dimitrov’s story is not just one of talent but of tenacious adaptation, resilience, and passion. He stands as an enduring inspiration—both for the height of his athletic achievements and for the authentic, reflective mentality he brings to all facets of life.