Still enjoying the evolution of his game, Dimitrov breaks new ground with first comeback from 2-0 down

The Bulgarian saved two match points as he beat Alex Molcan in a deciding tiebreak at the US Open

Grigor Dimitrov AI / Reuters / Panoramic

August 30, 2023

Grigor Dimitrov has experienced most things possible in the game of tennis. He may not have won a slam or reached a slam final, but he’s been in the semis of three of the four, won the ATP Finals and been ranked as high as No 3 in the world.

But on Tuesday at the US Open, the Bulgarian did something he’s never done before, coming from two sets to love down to win a match for the first time in his career.

Dimitrov beat Alex Molcan 6-7 9), 6-7 (5), 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (9), saving two match points in the deciding tiebreak, including one with the most delicate of half-volley drops.

1 – Holding a record of 0-27 coming into this match, Grigor Dimitrov has won for the first time in his career after losing the opening two sets, with a five-set victory over Alex Molcan. Timely. #USOpen #USOpen2023 | @usopen @atptour @ATPMediaInfo pic.twitter.com/vEiSeNgnQI
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) August 29, 2023

Dimitrov: “I’m very pleasantly surprised”

Discovering new things is always good for the mind and not surprisingly, Dimitrov was delighted to get through and achieve a first.

“It feels great, it’s amazing,” said Dimitrov, sitting in a small interview room at Flushing Meadows. “How good is that? To feel my body good, with no pain or anything, it’s fantastic. It’s great. I’m very pleasantly surprised. A lot of hard work paid off. Great for all the team see that, great for my fitness coach to see that. It’s a great validation for everyone that’s been with me throughout the years.

“At the same time I think it’s the first time I’ve come back from two sets to love down. I started thinking a little bit and I can’t remember another one. I’ve lost the fifth but never won it, so for the first time after so many years, I’ll take it.”

“I always have joy when I’m out here”

Dimitrov says he’s still enjoying tennis as much as ever, from the training to the matches.

“I always have joy when I’m out here,” he said. “I would say yes, but there are definitely moments where you need to pace yourself differently. I think this is where the moment comes that you need to look after your body a little more, see what you eat, see how you’re going to schedule your week of practice.

“When you’re younger, those type of gaps you can have quite often. Maybe you can skip a (good) meal, you might sleep less and you’re still going to feel good. Now it’s different, for sure. You see it. But I’m also enjoying that part of it more now.

“I feel like I’m more comfortable with everything I have to do, from eating what I have to do to going to bed at 9,30, I’m very happy to have a coffee first thing in the morning and go for a walk at 6.30. It’s just how I have adapted myself to every year, being on Tour. I’ve been doing it many years but I feel like every year I feel more comfortable.

Dimitrov to play Murray for 12th time

Dimitrov’s reward for his come from behind win will be a 12th meeting with a man he knows very well, Andy Murray.

And while thoughts of winning a slam title have dimmed over the years, never say never.

“I feel like I have a lot of leverage over a lot of players in terms of experience. Of course there are better players than me, there’s no doubt, but by me doing all these things, I give myself another chance. As long as I have a racquet I have another chance.”