Roger Federer still has to be feeling great about winning the 2017 Australian Open. The Swiss Maestro set all kinds of records with the victory, ones that could stand for ages. Federer isn't in any of the small events this week, but one man who is has been in the media lately. Grigor Dimitrov will attempt to win ATP Sofia in Bulgaria and he recently spoke about Federer and the 2017 Australian Open.
Dimitrov prepared for Sofia, regrets Melbourne
"I feel good physically and mentally," Dimitrov is quoted at TennisWorldUSA as stating earlier this week.
"Frankly I was surprised by the situation, especially in Brisbane, as it was my first tournament and I had no idea whether I made a good preparation. I had strong matches in Australia. I really wanted to play in the final against Federer, it was my dream."
Dimitrov's comments refer to falling in the semifinals of the Australian Open to Spain's Rafael Nadal. The match went five sets and, in regard to Dimitrov, it's natural to wonder if the efforts caused any kind of injury. According to his comments, the answer is "no" and that means that he has a great chance to win Sofia this week, a draw that also has David Goffin and Dominic Thiem in it. If Dimitrov can do that, not only will he deliver a title for his home-country audience, but he will also win the second title of his young season (he won Brisbane before the Australian Open started).
Patrick Rafter tips Nadal for French Open
Federer has also drawn some recent remarks from former World No. 1 Patrick Rafter. The Australian, who was ranked No. 1 fewer weeks than anyone else to make it to the top of the world, thinks that it's Rafael Nadal and not Roger Federer that will win the French Open later this year. Referring to how well the Spaniard played in Melbourne Park, Rafter said "If (Nadal) keeps that sort of form up, I’d say he probably would be (favourite to win at Roland Garros).
I’m not very good with predictions though, I generally get them all wrong. But Rafa’s probably the guy to beat at the french open” (qtd. at givemesport.com).
Historically, the French Open has been The Swiss Maestro's worst Grand Slam for majors. He does have one and that's important, because it gives him a career Grand Slam.
However, it was 8 seasons ago when Federer won his only title at Roland Garros. Not only will he have to contend with past champions in Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Stan Wawrinka, but Thiem is also an adept clay-courter coming into his own.
