Roberto Bautista has spoken about Grigor Dimitrov’s decision not participate to in this week’s Sofia Open.
Bulgarian fans were left disappointed when their top player decided to skip the first edition of his home event to concentrate on the upcoming American swing of the tour. The world No.28 has produced an encouraging start to the year by reaching the final in Brisbane followed by the third round at the Australian Open (where he lost in four sets to Roger Federer).
Speaking about Dimitrov’s absence, top seed Bautista Agut described it as ‘strange’ during an interview with tennis24.bg.
“I’m a little surprised that you will not see Grigor Dimitrov in Sofia. I expected him to participate in the tournament. I spoke with him in Melbourne and I asked him why he will not play. He told me he would not to come and that slightly surprised me. I do not know why. It was strange that he would not compete for the Bulgarian fans”. Bautista Agut said.
It is understood that Dimitrov is now in Los Angeles preparing for the Delray Beach Championships, which begins on February 15th. The Bulgarian also requires time to rest due to a ‘sore arm’. During the final stages of his third round match against Federer at the Australian Open, Dimitrov struggled with his serve and appeared in discomfort. Despite the concern, the world No.28 has played down the issue.
“Just a little bit of a sore elbow. As I said, I played a lot of matches. I didn’t have much time to rest.” Dimitrov said.
The world No.28 also spoke about being mentally tired in Melbourne, which might of contributed to his decision to skip his home tournament.
“My body feels good, I’m tired, but I think more mentally than physically, after nearly four weeks racing. So I need some rest, we need to review and analyze my matches here, to see where we can improve and how we’re doing at the moment”. The 24-year-old said.
It is not the first time that Dimitrov has come under fire from Bulgarian tennis figures. His withdrawal from Balguaria’s playoff Davis Cup tie against Hungary last year was criticized by some figures in his country.
