Grigor Dimitrov: The Young Roger Federer in Waiting

(Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

In tennis terms, it’s verging on sacrilege to compare any player with Roger Federer.

But there has been a buzz about the Wimbledon and US junior champion, the young Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, that is hard to ignore.

The astute organisers at the Aegon tournament in London this week offered the star-in-waiting a wild card and suddenly the British public saw the future—and it was Federer-shaped!

Dimitrov’s match against No. 3 seed Gilles Simon was a close affair that went to two tie breaks. It drew the very best out of the Frenchman—especially on his perfectly-timed forehand—to win this match. Anything less would have handed Dimitrov a famous victory.

But all those watching now know that it is only a matter of time until this awesome Bulgarian talent starts to grace the finals of major tournaments around the world. Just about the time, in fact, that Federer will be ready to hang up his own racket.

It’s hard to move beyond the dark slanting eyes, angular cheekbones and loose, slender build.

It’s even harder to overlook the dark cropped curls bound by a black bandana.

And then it’s impossible to ignore the all-black strip so reminiscent of Federer’s “Vogue” season. There are physical echoes aplenty.

In another piece of déjà vu, Peter Lundgren, who coached Federer during the vital years leading up to his first Wimbledon title, has taken on the coaching duties of Dimitrov since February. What’s more, Lundgren is reported to have said that his new charge is even more talented than his earlier one.

But it’s the tennis itself that delivers the real evidence.

The first shot that hits you between the eyes is Dimitrov’s backhand. This is that rare thing, a single-hander that produces a Federer-like sweep back from the chest, and with such whip that the racket-head all but strikes him between the shoulders. What’s more, he plays perfect slice and down-the-line top spin with equal aptitude.

It is fast, flexible, and effective and could become his signature shot as his game evolves.

Then he is already delivering a serve that is faster than Federer’s, and from a near identical action: feet placed one behind the other and knees sinking into a swaying explosion. Though the variety of spin and direction has still to evolve, the Dimitrov serve has enormous potential.

Move to the forehand. He can direct it across court and inside out. It is fast and adaptable. While it does not yet have the variety of Federer’s killer shot, that will undoubtedly develop.

What is most striking, though, is the body movement as he delivers it: that pivot off the leading leg, trail leg lifted, in copybook Federer style.

Dimitrov is also showing talent at the net, and a willingness to come in and use soft wrists to angle shots to both sides. Add to that the odd drop shot, sliced and curving, and it’s as though he’s been mentored by the Swiss master himself.

Yet on top of this package, Dimitrov has speed, mobility, and eagerness. He runs everything down yet makes fast decisions in his shot-choice.
 
Are there any weaknesses in this young man?

In all honesty, most of the failings of this 18-year-old can be attributed directly to his age and i

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