“Strong kid with quite a few good weapons” – Dimitrov relishing the challenge of Rune match

The Bulgarian is in fine form so far at Wimbledon, and is looking forward to an enticing encounter against Holger Rune

Grigor Dimitrov into last 16 at Wimbledon 2023 Action Plus / Panoramic

July 9, 2023

Grigor Dimitrov has spoken highly of his next round opponent, Holger Rune, in what should be a highly-entertaining clash of styles, generations and temperaments in the fourth round of Wimbledon.

Dimitrov is a wonderful grass-court player with pedigree and experience to draw on in abundance. Rune, meanwhile, is navigating just his second ever Wimbledon campaign as he looks to build on a hugely impressive start to an ever-burgeoning career.

The Bulgarian, a former Queen’s title winner and Wimbledon semi-finalist, has yet to drop a set at this year’s Championships in what has been a quietly excellent start to his campaign.

Both players quiet challengers for the title

While neither player are favourites for the title, both are highly dangerous and should be marked out as potential dark horses behind the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.

Rune and Dimitrov have never met, although they have been feeling out each other’s games over the course of a few practice sessions.

“Yeah, I think we have had a few hits. Obviously, yeah, not that many. I think he’s fairly young if you think about it,” Dimitrov said in his post-match press conference, following his win over Frances Tiafoe.

“Yeah, I mean, we hit a few times. I think obviously he’s already done so well and he’s been playing, you know, amazing tennis over the past couple of years.

“You know, strong kid with quite a few good weapons. It’s a great matchup for me. I’m really looking forward to that. I just want to get out there and do my thing. I’m not gonna treat this match as any other match.”

Dimitrov impressed, but in the dark about Rune’s game

While Dimitrov was quick to outline the threat the young Dane poses, he also acknowledged that he doesn’t know very much about Rune’s game – something which may play into the hands of his younger opponent.

“To be honest, I haven’t seen enough of him to state something like that. Overall he seems like a pretty complete player with all the shots and all that,” the Bulgarian explained, when asked about what Rune’s biggest strength was.

“I haven’t had like much time to really like study his game to that extent, Okay, this is his best, or anything like that.

“As I said, also, you know, you’re excited, you’re just started on tour, so there is a lot of things that have been going your way and doing them the right and the good things.”

While Rune is making strong headway under the tutorship of Patrick Mouratoglou, Dimitrov has reunited with Dani Vallverdu – someone with whom he achieved great success earlier on in his career.

Whether it is the veteran or the young gun who proceeds to the quarter-finals on Monday, this match-up looks set to be an absolutely fascinating encounter.