Rafael Nadal will next play Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the semifinal of the Mexico Open.
Grigor Dimitrov thanked Rafael Nadal for supporting him and helping him overcome a rough patch ahead of their exhibition match in Atlanta.
Tennis stars Dimitrov and Nadal face each other once again just days after meeting at Mexico Open semi-finals in Acapulco. The two locked horns at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth, Georgia for an exhibition match.
Nadal, who over the course of his career has played a lot of games in the US, however, made his maiden appearance in Atlanta.
The proceedings of the match between Nadal and Dimitrov, who are known to be close friends, went to the Rafael Nadal Foundation.
World No 19 Dimitrov was speaking to CBS46 during an interview when he decided to pay tributes to his friend Nadal:
“He’s a very special guy. He has a pretty amazing personality, to be honest. I’ve spent so much time with him on and off the court. Being able to practise with him, share moments off the court,” Dimitrov spoke in praise of Nadal.
“I’ve really learnt a lot from him in the past four or five years. I was going through a little bit of a tough time and I practised with him for a little bit and my form increased.
“Everything is just positive when it comes around him and it is great to be around him,” Dimitrov concluded.
A former World No.3, Dimitrov and Nadal had faced each other at the ATP 500 event in Acapulco recently, where the Spaniard emerged eventual champion, overthrowing the Bulgarian in the semifinals.
The Bulgarian admitted his love for driving fast cars when asked if racing was another favourite sport that he fancied.
“Yes, I love driving fast car. Newest actually it’s around the corner, it’s a place that I really like to go out there and really enjoy a little bit of a drive as practice in the morning, track in the afternoon.”
Dimitrov added that driving fast made him feel more relaxed compared to playing tennis.
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