"No one should carry such a burden" - Grigor Dimitrov speaks out against comparisons with Roger Federer, calls them 'irrelevant'

Grigor Dimitrov recently spoke about the undue pressure that he felt early in his career because of being compared to tennis legend Roger Federer.

Before turning pro in 2008, Dimitrov had already made headlines in his junior career, becoming the World No. 1. In 2013, he became the first Bulgarian man to win the Stockholm Open. He also won the prestigious ATP Finals in 2019, reaching his career-high ranking of World No. 3.

Dimitrov earned the nickname "Baby Fed" early on due to the similarities in his game to that of the Swiss maestro, including their serve and single-handed backhand. Despite enjoying it initially, the 31-year-old began to feel it weighing him down, and was ultimately happy to move forward with a different playing style.

In an interview with the tennis channel We Are Tennis, Dimitrov was asked what he thought of that phase. Looking back, the World No. 25 stated that no young player should face such comparisons.

"That should be a lesson for every young player who comes into the game. No one should carry such a burden upon his name, I'll tell you that much," he said.

While Grigor Dimitrov has always shown his admiration and respect for Roger Federer, he said in the recent interview that the comparisons were "irrelevant." He also stated that he was happy to have moved forward and made his own mark.

"That was, I think one of the most, I would say, irrelevant comparisons in my eyes, in my view and i think in everybody's. And what I am the most happy with that I made a name for myself."

Dimitrov will next be competing in the upcoming 2023 Indian Wells.

"I've been enjoying it and also putting a lot of work" - Grigor Dimitrov feels confident of his 2023 season

Griogor Dimitrov in action at the 2023 Rotterdam Open

In the same interview, when asked about his 2023 season, Grigor Dimitrov sounded confident and said he was looking forward to the remainder of the season.

"I've been enjoying it and also putting a lot of work, trying to do things a little bit different than I have in the past, trying to play a little bit more, just get out of my comfort zone a little bit and I think it will also push me to be better in every department that I need to improve," he said.

Grigor Dimitrov has had a good season so far, including reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 Rotterdam Open. He will be playing in both the 2023 Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open.