Dimitrov ‘surprised’ of his body after nearly 5-hour US Open clash

Grigor Dimitrov spoke after his victory over Alex Molchan in the first round of the US Open. He talked about the match with the Slovak, that lasted 4 hours and 40 minutes, finishing 3-2 in favor of the Bulgarian who managed to come back from two sets down for the first time in his career.

Andy Murray will face Grigor Dimitrov in Round 2 of the US Open after the Bulgarian came out on top in a five-set EPIC! 💥 pic.twitter.com/QdLOx752Vb

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) August 29, 2023

“The first two sets were very nerve-wracking. I felt that I was building the game, doing more with the ball, but at the same time I was making more mistakes. It was very frustrating that I couldn’t use my opportunities. I was serving well, but I wasn’t able to use it. At one point I felt very strange.”

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“I wondered what I was doing so wrong. In the third set, I told myself that I was playing very well, that I should be a little more aggressive. Finished 6-1, saved some energy. I knew he might suffer physically in the fourth, but I also knew he was a great fighter. The fifth set was crazy. It’s great, amazing. To feel my body well, without pain, it’s fantastic. I wish all players at this age feel good. I am pleasantly surprised. The effort pays off. It’s a testament to everyone who’s helped me over the years.”

“I think it’s the first time I’ve come back from 0-2 down.  I remembered losing the fifth set, but I never won it.”

“I haven’t won a tournament in a long time. So I set my goal to something achievable. I’m not saying I can’t. If I move well and so on, yes, there are players who can beat me, but there are also many that I can beat. Now I think differently. The priorities would be to get back into the top 10, win a tournament again. You start from there and gain even more faith.”, he said.