Grigor Dimitrov was describing his improbable journey from humble origins in Haskovo, Bulgaria, a country with almost no men’s tennis heritage before him, to the very top levels of his sport when suddenly he paused: “I had all these comparisons with Roger [Federer] for so many years,” he said, laughing. “Thank you for not saying it. I appreciate it.”
He did not have to elaborate. From the moment he emerged on the ATP Tour, armed with excellent athleticism, a large toolbox of shots and a sickly sweet single-handed backhand, the early years of Dimitrov’s career were plagued by uncomfortable comparisons and that dreaded nickname: Baby Fed. It is, evidently, difficult to discuss his beginnings without touching on the subject.
