Grigor Dimitrov everyone...

[Puppet Master]

I created this thread to discuss what Grigor is really capable of. At this point, yeah sure I kinda like his game, but that's about it. He is inconsistent, gets into wars with guys he should have no trouble with, I am not even disappointed anymore no matter what stage he gets to. That is somewhat harsh considering I did like the guy. And this has been mentioned who knows how many times, but he is not so young anymore, the clock is ticking and he needs to change.
(I had this idea, his game shouldn't really revolve around running from one side of the court to the other, like a bloody idiot, instead, just ditch it completely, get a bit beefier, put on some meat on those arms and legs, and just attack on every opportunity possible and of course tweak the serve and net game.)
I am interested in your general opiniom on him, and what he should do to his game to get up there.

 

[nehmeth]

Dimitrov confounds me.

One moment he seems so focused, his serves hardly returnable, and during the play is able to dictate a match from the middle of the court. The next moment his serve is gone, and he's running from one side of the court to the other, making some beautiful defensive shots, but ultimately losing. All of this can happen in the course of a few games.

I really like the guy. He is personable, and seems likable. Not sure what it will take to get him on a more of a vertical career trajectory. A killer instinct? A coach who inspires confidence and can give him the emotional tools to win the important points in matches? Hope he turns things around soon, as this year he's had way too many early exits.

 

[Kieran]

In tennis terms, Grigor just doesn't have that uncoachable savage inside that destroys the opposition no matter how poorly he's playing. He lacks the fury that blokes like Rafa and Sampras have, that tells them when they're losing that losing is not an option they can live with.

Plus: he gets beaten by Monfils... :laydownlaughing

 

[Moxie]

I agree with nehmeth's distillation of Dimitrov's strengths and weaknesses. I didn't care much for him, early on, this up-and-comer who never would up-and-come. In the last year or so, however, with Rasheed, I thought he was making the big push. And yet, again, he's been more disappointing than impressive of late. TBH, I wondered if dating Sharapova might ignite some competitive spark in him, or have some rub off by association. Losing to an inspired Monfils isn't a shame, but getting trounced is. There are a fair few young players now who are bidding to be the Next Big Thing, and Grigor is running out of time to realize his potential. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot more Gasquet in him than Nadal, as a direct comparison between early promise and eventual fulfillment.

 

[Haelfix]

Monfils is tough on clay, he's really steady, has a good serve, won't make many mistakes, can punish you for your own and still moves around the court as well as anyone. It takes a good performance to beat him, and Dimitrov didn't produce one, so he's gone.

 

[El Dude]

He's still making baby steps. Look at his year-end rankings - he's improved every year.

Now consider that he's probably not going to get by Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. He's trying to establish himself as a second tier player ala Berdych and Ferrer, although is still half a step behind, imo. But when Novak and company eventually start to show signs of age, Grigor will be hungry and peaking and well-situated to win some big tournaments before the younger generation is ready to take the baton.

 

[Moxie]

He's still making baby steps. Look at his year-end rankings - he's improved every year.

Now consider that he's probably not going to get by Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. He's trying to establish himself as a second tier player ala Berdych and Ferrer, although is still half a step behind, imo. But when Novak and company eventually start to show signs of age, Grigor will be hungry and peaking and well-situated to win some big tournaments before the younger generation is ready to take the baton.

That is a bit kind to him. I think he should well make 2nd tier, and he's pretty much there. But "hungry" is the problem, and may always be. I think he's going to get passed, unless he makes a statement this year. When the current elite give some ground, he may sneak out a few big titles, but I don't think he'll ever be the threat he was touted to be.

 

[Fiero425]

He's still making baby steps. Look at his year-end rankings - he's improved every year.

Now consider that he's probably not going to get by Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. He's trying to establish himself as a second tier player ala Berdych and Ferrer, although is still half a step behind, imo. But when Novak and company eventually start to show signs of age, Grigor will be hungry and peaking and well-situated to win some big tournaments before the younger generation is ready to take the baton.

That is a bit kind to him. I think he should well make 2nd tier, and he's pretty much there. But "hungry" is the problem, and may always be. I think he's going to get passed, unless he makes a statement this year. When the current elite give some ground, he may sneak out a few big titles, but I don't think he'll ever be the threat he was touted to be.

Have I missed something? Maybe I didn't hear, but I thought he was dating Sharapova! Can't she be a distraction? Heaven knows Hingis was dubbed the Black Widow in some parlance! uzzled :s :angel: :dodgy:

 

[Puppet Master]

Thanks to everyone who posted, it was a good read, and only time will tell if Grisha is up for the challenge.

 

[herios]

He's still making baby steps. Look at his year-end rankings - he's improved every year.

Now consider that he's probably not going to get by Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. He's trying to establish himself as a second tier player ala Berdych and Ferrer, although is still half a step behind, imo. But when Novak and company eventually start to show signs of age, Grigor will be hungry and peaking and well-situated to win some big tournaments before the younger generation is ready to take the baton.

That is a bit kind to him. I think he should well make 2nd tier, and he's pretty much there. But "hungry" is the problem, and may always be. I think he's going to get passed, unless he makes a statement this year. When the current elite give some ground, he may sneak out a few big titles, but I don't think he'll ever be the threat he was touted to be.

I agree with moxie. The problem is he is falling short more often than not. I see of lack of strategy in his game. He was overhyped because he has a pretty game, and indeed he reminds more to Gasquet than to Roger, unfortunately. He may become an "almost" top tier player when all is said and done.

 

[herios]

He's still making baby steps. Look at his year-end rankings - he's improved every year.

Now consider that he's probably not going to get by Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. He's trying to establish himself as a second tier player ala Berdych and Ferrer, although is still half a step behind, imo. But when Novak and company eventually start to show signs of age, Grigor will be hungry and peaking and well-situated to win some big tournaments before the younger generation is ready to take the baton.

That is a bit kind to him. I think he should well make 2nd tier, and he's pretty much there. But "hungry" is the problem, and may always be. I think he's going to get passed, unless he makes a statement this year. When the current elite give some ground, he may sneak out a few big titles, but I don't think he'll ever be the threat he was touted to be.

Have I missed something? Maybe I didn't hear, but I thought he was dating Sharapova! Can't she be a distraction? Heaven knows Hingis was dubbed the Black Widow in some parlance! uzzled :s :angel: :dodgy:

It is unfair IMO to blame Maria. She should be an inspiration, not a distraction.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

its just a blip..he is breaking in his new wand still..the glory days are still to happen.

 

[El Dude]

its just a blip..he is breaking in his new wand still..the glory days are still to happen.

Did Maria tell you this? A bit personal, don't you think?

 

[El Dude]

He's still making baby steps. Look at his year-end rankings - he's improved every year.

Now consider that he's probably not going to get by Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. He's trying to establish himself as a second tier player ala Berdych and Ferrer, although is still half a step behind, imo. But when Novak and company eventually start to show signs of age, Grigor will be hungry and peaking and well-situated to win some big tournaments before the younger generation is ready to take the baton.

That is a bit kind to him. I think he should well make 2nd tier, and he's pretty much there. But "hungry" is the problem, and may always be. I think he's going to get passed, unless he makes a statement this year. When the current elite give some ground, he may sneak out a few big titles, but I don't think he'll ever be the threat he was touted to be.

I agree, but you didn't really say anything counter to what I said - except that he might never be hungry. I think that is possible, but I'm imagining two or three years in the #7-12 range and a sense of growing frustration and hunger as all the big tournaments pass him by. Or maybe he just settles into it and is OK with it, but I could see the hunger rising in him.

 

[herios]

He's still making baby steps. Look at his year-end rankings - he's improved every year.

Now consider that he's probably not going to get by Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. He's trying to establish himself as a second tier player ala Berdych and Ferrer, although is still half a step behind, imo. But when Novak and company eventually start to show signs of age, Grigor will be hungry and peaking and well-situated to win some big tournaments before the younger generation is ready to take the baton.

That is a bit kind to him. I think he should well make 2nd tier, and he's pretty much there. But "hungry" is the problem, and may always be. I think he's going to get passed, unless he makes a statement this year. When the current elite give some ground, he may sneak out a few big titles, but I don't think he'll ever be the threat he was touted to be.

I agree, but you didn't really say anything counter to what I said - except that he might never be hungry. I think that is possible, but I'm imagining two or three years in the #7-12 range and a sense of growing frustration and hunger as all the big tournaments pass him by. Or maybe he just settles into it and is OK with it, but I could see the hunger rising in him.

He has to ditch his coach and find a better one. No clear game plan means bad coach.

 

[Billie]

He is a nice guy and I like him, but I don't see anything special in his game or mentality to tell me that he is going to be the next world's #1 player. What are his strengths really, something in his game that you think is way above average? I can't think of anything that really stands out with him.uzzled

 

[Puppet Master]

He is a nice guy and I like him, but I don't see anything special in his game or mentality to tell me that he is going to be the next world's #1 player. What are his strengths really, something in his game that you think is way above average? I can't think of anything that really stands out with him.uzzled

Above average? I am not even sure what could be considered above average, apart from things like Federer's forehand or Karlovic's serve. Some will disagree with me, but when he is focused and actually hitting with pace, not many guys can hang around in the rally, he has a decent serve and often does end up on those hot shot videos when he comes to the net. All I am saying is, the guy can perform a lot better than his current results and ranking would suggest. Of course, even his biggest fans would be delusional to expect 15 slams from him, but if he snuck in 1 or 2 I wouldn't consider it a miracle.
And I forgot to mention, his complete lack of mental strength, which cost him the match too many times. He really is afraid of the big 3 and has managed to beat Djokovic only once in Madrid 2013.

 

[Moxie]

He's still making baby steps. Look at his year-end rankings - he's improved every year.

Now consider that he's probably not going to get by Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. He's trying to establish himself as a second tier player ala Berdych and Ferrer, although is still half a step behind, imo. But when Novak and company eventually start to show signs of age, Grigor will be hungry and peaking and well-situated to win some big tournaments before the younger generation is ready to take the baton.

That is a bit kind to him. I think he should well make 2nd tier, and he's pretty much there. But "hungry" is the problem, and may always be. I think he's going to get passed, unless he makes a statement this year. When the current elite give some ground, he may sneak out a few big titles, but I don't think he'll ever be the threat he was touted to be.

I agree, but you didn't really say anything counter to what I said - except that he might never be hungry. I think that is possible, but I'm imagining two or three years in the #7-12 range and a sense of growing frustration and hunger as all the big tournaments pass him by. Or maybe he just settles into it and is OK with it, but I could see the hunger rising in him.

But that is my point...that I don't see the fire-in-the-belly. "Hunger" is a very subjective thing to talk about now, or predict for the future, so you may yet be right...that he finds it when he sees others taking opportunities that he is missing. And we see that a lot of players are ripening later. But there is a crop of teenagers out there, and they look like at least a few might not allow him a window between the Big 4 aging and them going for the big prizes.

If Rasheed was a fitness coach, maybe he needs the next one to be strategy.

 

[Billie]

He is a nice guy and I like him, but I don't see anything special in his game or mentality to tell me that he is going to be the next world's #1 player. What are his strengths really, something in his game that you think is way above average? I can't think of anything that really stands out with him.uzzled

Above average? I am not even sure what could be considered above average, apart from things like Federer's forehand or Karlovic's serve. Some will disagree with me, but when he is focused and actually hitting with pace, not many guys can hang around in the rally, he has a decent serve and often does end up on those hot shot videos when he comes to the net. All I am saying is, the guy can perform a lot better than his current results and ranking would suggest. Of course, even his biggest fans would be delusional to expect 15 slams from him, but if he snuck in 1 or 2 I wouldn't consider it a miracle.
And I forgot to mention, his complete lack of mental strength, which cost him the match too many times. He really is afraid of the big 3 and has managed to beat Djokovic only once in Madrid 2013.

Mentality is one of the biggest things in an individual sport like tennis. If you admit to the fact that Dimitrov "completely lacks mental strength" and can't really state a tennis skill that is IT with him, then I think I made my point. By the way, a lot of players can hang in with big 3 for a set or two, a lot of players have decent serves, a lot of players actually have better forehands and backhands, and some of them move better and defend better than Dimitrov. Not to mention the return of serve, which is a strength but not with Dimitrov. There are a lot of aspects in the game of tennis.

Yes, I understand that he is sometimes flashy, but not all that glitters is gold, you know.

I am not saying that he will never win anything big, on the contrary, I am not a fortune teller and I can't see the future so I won't say it and we've seen stranger things happen in tennis. He will need to change something in his game and acquire some mental resolve in order for me to change my mind about his tennis potential. He is still a decent tennis player and a good guy.