Former ATP Finals champion Grigor Dimitrov said mentor Andre Agassi has helped him become a ‘better person’ following his opening win at the Australian Open.
Dimitrov, who is seeded 20th in the draw, defeated veteran Janko Tipsarevic 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-4, on the opening day of the tournament. 34-year-old Tipsarevic was playing in his first tournament since the 2017 US Open following a lengthy injury-related absence. During the match, the Bulgarian produced 18 aces and hit 42 winners.
“I was just looking forward to playing that match.” Dimitrov said afterwards. “It was the first match back for me at a slam, so I was just kind of happy to focus on my side and see where I was at.”
In recent months Dimitrov has sought help from Agassi, who he has known since the age of 14. On what is a fairly informal basis, the eight-time grand slam champion acts as a mentor and works alongside Dani Vallverdu, Dimitrov’s full-time coach. A setup that has worked well for everybody so far.
“There was one person that I could trust unconditionally, and that was him. So we spoke with Dani and ultimately both of us kind of reached out and seeked a little bit of help. Step by step, we developed our relationship and next thing you know he’s in here watching my first match.” Dimitrov said about Agassi.
It isn’t just on the court that Dimitrov is enjoying Agassi’s support. Asked what he has learned from him, the world No.21 said he is a better person. Getting reminded of the important things both inside and outside of tennis.
“I’m just a better person, period. On a daily basis, I have learned something new from him.” He said.
“Sometimes some of the things that he says, it doesn’t really, it has nothing to do with tennis, absolutely nothing to do with tennis.
“Today before the match we are talking about completely different stuff. I was, like, Oh, that feels nice. I think he also keeps me on point, keeps me on check.”
Dimitrov is bidding the reach the quarter-final of the Australian Open for a third consecutive year. He will play Pablo Cuevas in the second round.
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, Stefanos Tsitsipas became the first Greek man in history to win a match draw match in Melbourne. The 14th seed held his nerve to edge out Matteo Berrettini 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(4). He will play Viktor Troicki next, who edged out Roberto Carballes Baena in three sets.
Kevin Anderson fired 14 aces during his 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, win over Adrian Mannarino. It is the first time the South African has reached the second round in Melbourne since 2015. He has suffered more first round losses at the tournament than any other grand slam.
“It was really hot out here. I thought we were going to hit the heat rule, but no luck,” said Anderson.
In the last 64 the fifth seed will play Frances Tiafoe, who dismissed Prajnesh Gunneswaran in straight sets.
