Dimitrov Opens up on Agassi Partnership
Grigor Dimitrov opened the “Andre Agassi Era” with a solid win over Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut on Wednesday at the Rolex Paris Masters. That is most certainly a step in the right direction for the Bulgarian, who had entered this week’s event with a 23-18 record—not even in the same galaxy as his 49-19 record of a season ago.But with Agassi in his camp there is an air of positivity surrounding Dimitrov as the 2018 campaign winds down. If he could climb so high last season and achieve one of his greatest goals of making it to the ATP World Tour Finals–then end the season with that prestigious title–then maybe there is more in the offing from the talented, charismatic 27-year-old.After his victory today, Dimitrov gave some insight in the new pairing with the eight-time Grand Slam champion.
“Well, we’ve known each other for quite some time and it’s the right timing right now to kind of have him on the team,” he said.The good news already is that the pair are making tentative plans to collaborate in 2019.“Nothing is set at the moment but we’re just still trying to figure how we’re going to make the schedule,” Dimitrov said. “And hopefully I can travel with him a bit more next year, and for sure we’re going to try to spend a lot more time together in the upcoming weekends, months. So, yeah, it starts from here. Hopefully in the next couple of months we’ll know more how we’re going to do our schedule.”
Already, Dimitrov had high praise for the depth of Agassi’s character and wisdom. Whether their partnership bears Grand Slam milestones remains to be seen, but it’s already clear that the pair are an excellent spiritual match.“He’s amazing,” he said. “I couldn’t think of a better guy, sharing thoughts, feelings, emotions, on and off the court. I just believe that he’s—I mean, he has gone through so much overall and, I mean, what an unbelievable career with the ups and downs and all that. So one of the only people that I feel I can really relate and open up is that.”Dimitrov will face Marin Cilic in third round action at Paris on Thursday. He’s hoping those good vibes and fresh feelings help him put more checks in the win column.Either way, the future looks bright for Dimitrov and Agassi, a pair of like-minded seekers that seem to be hitting it off quite well.“So far none of us have been disappointed with our company,” Dimitrov said. “And we’re going to keep going that way and I’m sure he can bring a lot more to the table on and off the court.” ]]>
