By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, October 13, 2023
What the world needs now is a unifying soundtrack.
Grigor Dimitrov dreams of delivering it.
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The 32-year-old Dimitrov made the strings sing committing just three unforced errors defeating Nicolas Jarry 7-6(2), 6-4 to charge into his ninth Masters 1000 semifinal in Shanghai.
After crafting Masters renaissance, the 2017 ATP Finals champion talked musical reunion.
Today, Dimitrov ran into 20-time Grand Slam champion and good buddy Roger Federer, who was in Shanghai for an on-court presentation, setting the tone for potential reformation.
Former world No. 3 Dimitrov would "love" to reform the ultimate tennis trio and put the famed One-Handed Backhand Boys band back together with Federer and Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas.
"I just saw Roger, so I guess we'll chat a little bit about it," Dimitrov said. "I would love to, honestly, I would love to.
"I think, unfortunately, our lives have gone separate ways. I mean, in a way, each in their own. I mean, we still, obviously, follow each other, and we're excited to see how life progresses and have a sneak peak at everyone's moment."
For some, this would represent the biggest musical reunion since Led Zeppelin reformed for a one-off show at London's iconic O2 Arena back in 2007.
A decade later, Dimitrov captured his biggest career title going undefeated at the O2 Arena to capture the ATP Finals crown and rise to world No. 3.
Dimitrov has good news for devoted fans of the One-Handed Backhand Boys: When you least expect the reunion, expect it.
"I really would love to, honestly, I would really love for that one day," Dimitrov said. "I believe it will. I cherish those moments so much that, maybe we'll come up with something when you guys least expect it."
Swiss Maestro Federer famously reconvened the band—adding a special guest star—back in 2017.
The One-Handed Backhand Boys reunited for this rousing rendition of a Chicago classic aided by autounes and a show-stopping guest soloist 55 seconds into the video below.
All these guys need now is a U2-style Las Vegas residency or Duran Duran-inspired music video to take the tennis Temptations to the next level.
Accompanied by composer David Foster, Haas' father-in-law, the trio of former Top 10 players belted out this version of Chicago's "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" during the Australian Open.
Sounds like the trio has been practicing.
Fed fans know the Maestro has been working on his musical chops after seeing him join Coldplay on stage last summer. And while Federer remarked that sold-out show may well have been his musical farewell, putting the band back together with Dimitrov and Haas would be the biggest tennis musical moment since John McEnroe jammed with the Rolling Stones.
Before rolling into Wimbledon last July, Federer play rock star at a Coldplay concert.
"On Saturday night, Chris Martin writes me and says 'Do you want to help us perform one of the songs?' " Federer told CNN in July. "I was sitting at dinner and read the message to my wife, and two daughters and some friends and they were like 'Oh my God, you've got to do it!'
"Myla, my daughter looks at me and goes 'Papa, Go! You only live once...So I finished my music career on top because I just retired from music as well."