Daily Fuzz<\/p>\n
“The players in today`s tennis are just bigger, stronger, faster,” said Grigor Dimitrov. <\/p>\n
Richard PagliaroSeptember 23, 20264 minute read<\/p>\n
By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Photo credit: Lacoste<\/p>\n
Advancing age is the ultimate adversary for elite champions.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the challenge of facing opponents a decade younger, 35-year-old Grigor Dimitrov takes a philosophical approach to aging on the ATP Tour.<\/p>\n
In a new interview with journalist Nicholas Albek of Bolavip conducted<\/a> during Davis Cup weekend, Dimitrov said facing physically formidable opponents is part of the job. But Dimitrov concedes \u201cit is not easy\u201d seeing Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic struggle physically during his recent defeats at the US Open and Cincinnati Open.<\/p>\n \u201cThe players in today`s tennis are just bigger, stronger, faster, which is just a natural part of the evolution of tennis,\u201d Dimitrov told Nicholas Albek of Bolavip<\/a>. \u201cBut of course it is not easy to see Djokovic getting older, maybe struggling a bit.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cNo matter how strong you are, it is inevitable that it will hit you eventually from a biological point of view.\u201d<\/p>\n Former world No. 3 Dimitrov, who is now ranked No. 127 after suffering a pectoral injury during the 2025 Wimbledon, said aging on the ATP Tour can be physically punishing, but believes competing on the pro circuit at age 35 is ultimately \u201ca very privileged place.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cNature calls itself and it is going to happen, and when you have been in a competitive sport for so many years, with traveling, jetlag and all that stuff, it eventually catches up with you,\u201d Dimitrov said.\u00a0 \u201cIn a way I also feel like it should, you know. There are also other parts to life than tennis.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe have just been put in this position, a very privileged place. I feel spoiled and we should feel that way.\u201d<\/p>\n The Bulgarian-born Dimitrov has been a bit of a global citizen living in cities ranging from Paris to Monte-Carlo to Los Angeles at various times in his career. Dimitrov, who has also had high-profile relationships with Maria Sharapova, Nicole Scherzinger, and current girlfriend Eiza Gonz\u00e1lez, said he\u2019d like to write a book about his life and career.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I have been able to have a very unique path into this sport. One day I will write a book about it,\u201d Dimitrov told Nicholas Albek of Bolavip<\/a>. \u201cThe older I get, the more fascinating I become, also with the crowd and the other players.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven with people like you who work in the media. Throughout the years it has been very special for me to talk to guys like you, no doubt about that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am just super grateful about that and I am trying to stay in the present moment, which is the most important thing for me right now. Of course, I still have some years left in me to play, but for me being able to still do what I do and giving myself that chance is huge for me.\u201d<\/p>\n The top-ranked Bulgarian man in history has earned more than $32 million in career prize money and is 14 wins shy of reaching the magic 500-career victory mark. <\/p>\n Entering the final phase of his career, Dimitrov said he\u2019s driven to run \u201cmy own race now,\u201d shape his schedule to maximize recovery while drawing inspiration from tennis fans all over the world.<\/p>\n