IN GOOD NIC
Scherzinger’s ‘boyfriend’ Grigor shows his own X-factor at the O2
GRIGOR DIMITROV claimed he was “living the dream” after conquering first-night nerves to win his debut match at the ATP Finals.
The Bulgarian heartthrob has dated Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova – and now has an on-off relationship with X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger (right).
But the world No.6 admitted he suffered nerves like going on a first date when he walked out at the O2 yesterday.
And he needed two chances to serve out for victory before beating Dominic Thiem 6-3 5-7 7-5 in a battle of the one-handed backhands. Dimitrov, a non-playing reserve here in 2014, said: “I’m not going to lie, I was pretty nervous in my first match out here. It’s not the same as practising on this court, you feel the weight on your shoulders, in a positive way of course.
“I’m just very grateful to win in that manner. It’s not easy playing here for the first time.
“Now I can say that barrier is broken, I guess.
“For me, it was just one of those new experiences that I think I’m going to remember for the rest of my life – I think appreciate for the rest of my life.
“That was rough being here and not playing three years ago, but it did make me stronger and I took the positives out of it.
“This is where I always wanted to be, in among the top players. I’m living my dream right now and I wanna keep on going.” Dimitrov seemed destined to be the next tennis superstar when he won the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club in 2014 with Sharapova sitting in the crowd. But he admitted he took his eye off the ball and he was down at world No.40 in August 2016 before teaming up with Andy Murray’s former coach Dani Vallverdu.
He reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in January and is now up to a career-high ranking after three titles this year.
“Everybody has a different path, different way,” said Dimitrov, 26, who is based in Monte Carlo. “I think just sooner or later you realise things in life.
“I think make a decision. It was just like fighting with my demons to find the right path to be consistent enough.
“And I think the best is yet to come. I’m super excited for what’s ahead.”
Dimitrov, the first Bulgarian to qualify for this seasonending tournament in its 48-year-old history, added: “I think it’s a very special moment for me, but I hope also for the country. And I think for the people, just to realise that whatever you put your mind into, if you push those boundaries every day, if you work hard, the sky’s the limit.
“You can dream every day. I’m a dreamer.”