Former ATP Finals champion Grigor Dimitrov has confirmed that he is no longer working with Radek Stephanek and is in no hurry to find a replacement for him.
The world No.20 made the announcement during a press conference in Bulgaria with local media. It is unclear as to when the decision was made regarding Stepanek, who has also previously worked with Novak Djokovic. Dimitrov has experienced a roller coaster run on the tour this season with a win-loss record of 22-21. At one stage he failed to win back-to-back matches at six consecutive tournaments over the summer. However, his form surged during the last quarter of 2019 where he reached the semi-finals at both the US Open and Paris Masters.
“I’m not in a panic right now to find a coach. I always think that when I don’t have someone beside me, it’s hard to train. However, in the past months, I have done things myself that I have not done.” TennisKafe quoted Dimitrov as saying.
“You need to have freedom, to find yourself, to become closer to yourself.” He added.
As Stepanek exits the team, former world No.1 Andre Agassi is maintaining his links with Dimitrov. Although it will be in a sort of consultation role and not as a coach. Agassi is an eight-time grand slam champion who is married to Stefi Graf.
“Andre has always been in contact (with me).” Dimitrov states. “He’s always there if I need to talk to him. The whole encyclopedia is that when you talk on the phone, you have to have an hour and a half free. He’s a special person.”
In another development, the 28-year-old has confirmed he will play in the ATP Cup in January. Meaning that his country has qualified for the tournament. Entries are based on the ranking of the leading singles player from each team. Dimitrov will not only be playing, he has also agreed to be the team’s captain.
“I look forward to playing in the ATP Cup, where I will be playing as captain.” He said. “I can’t wait to begin this preparation. I’m glad for the young guys who will come with me and for being one of the first entrants.”
Dimitrov is currently the only Bulgarian player to be ranked in the world’s top 300 and the only one to have earned 100 or more ranking points on the tour. He says he will ‘probably’ begin his off-season training for the event in Monaco.
The ATP cup will have both ranking points and prize money up for grabs. Making it the only team event to do so. There has been numerous debates around the various events that have surfaced in recent months. The oldest is the Davis Cup, which was established back in 1900. However, Dimitrov has taken a swipe at the historic event.
“The Laver Cup is something completely different, the Davis Cup is already losing value. I have not played in the Davis Cup, so at the moment the upcoming Olympics is not in my plans. I don’t see who I can help with the Davis Cup.” He concluded.
Dimitrov has earned $2,117,523 in prize money this year, but hasn’t won a title of any sort since 2017.
