Grigor Dimitrov pays tribute to his parents for giving him ‘the best of both worlds’
Grigor Dimitrov has paid tribute to his mother and father for modelling different modes of being to him in his formative years.
Dimitrov feels that his caring and outgoing mother has helped him become a more compassionate person.
From his father, he says that he learned the value of taking time for yourself and knowing how to be alone.
Dimitrov says that his mother is an outgoing human being who sets out to move people.
“She knows how to connect with people from very different backgrounds, whatever they’re doing. We often discuss that,” Dimitrov told Tennis.com.
“She’s like, ‘Oh, I’m trying to motivate these kids by saying this and doing that.’ She always tries to connect with people and kind of rattles them, just wants to get you out of the comfort zone to express yourself, and without any judgment.
“She always wants to see the person from within. And I think this is something that I think has been the biggest trait in a way that my mom has always given me.
“My dad is totally the opposite, so it’s very strange. I’ve kind of gotten the best from both worlds because just as I feel like I can be in surroundings with many people, players, officials, and so on, I can definitely be on my own and just enjoy going for a walk in the desert. I feel comfortable with being on both ends.”
Dimitrov believes that at his core he needs to be true to himself to be happy.
“Everyone has a good heart and all that, but it’s also how you use it and to express yourself,” he said.
“I think for me, this part has always been very, very strong. I always wanted to keep that way with the risk of maybe getting on the wrong side of some people, and being judged.
“I’m okay with that, as long as I’m true to myself and true to my heart, and to the people that are around me.
“I think that itself already pushes you. It propels you to be a good person and it sets up very good and high standards for life.”
The Bulgarian star says that he feels like he has come to realise what things in life are of the greatest value.
While he is grateful for the sport he feels that life away from tennis has taught him a lot and given him much to treasure.
“Outside the court, things are just as important,” said Dimitrov.
“Connections with people, with friends, with family, with people that have maybe not served you right, but you understood the lesson maturing.
“All these things I feel bring a lot to it. For me, it’s been an incredible road I would say the past seven months outside of tennis.
“I’m also at the age where I think maturity comes in, experience comes in, the love for the sport kicks in more.
“You try to understand more of yourself, more of your surroundings, more of who you want to have around, the upside of certain things, the disappointment and how to handle things.”
