Serena Williams cheered Grigor Dimitrov on from the stands
Serena Williams cheered Grigor Dimitrov on from the stands (Image: YouTube US Open)
Grigor Dimitrov credited Serena Williams for her role in his fourth-round victory at the US Open.
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The world No. 9 is back in the quarter-finals in Flushing Meadows for the first time in five years after beating Andrey Rublev 6-3 7-6(3) 2-6 3-6 6-3.
Williams was in the stands on Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch her good friend get a five-set victory over the No. 6 seed. And Dimitrov admitted that she helped him out.
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The 23-time Grand Slam champion has been back at the US Open this weekend as a spectator, two years after retiring at her home tournament. Williams took in some tennis on the main stadium on Saturday as Jannik Sinner and Jessica Pegula won their matches.
And she was back in the crowd on Sunday alongside Alicia Keys to watch her long-time friend Dimitrov in action against Rublev. The Bulgarian stormed into a two-set lead but was dragged into a decider when the 26-year-old attempted to mount a comeback for the second time this fortnight.
But Dimitrov held on and got the job done in three hours and 39 minutes. It’s his best US Open result since 2019 when he upset Roger Federer en route to the semi-final. And Williams was thrilled.
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Grigor Dimitrov revealed that Serena Williams gave him a pep talk before his match (Image: YouTube US Open)
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During his on-court interview, Dimitrov was informed that she was in the crowd. Asked whether he was nervous playing in front of Williams, the 33-year-old admitted it was more the other way around – she contributed to his win.
“For some reason not in front of her. She gave me a good pep-talk yesterday,” Dimitrov said as Williams reacted from the stands. “Yep, I know, exactly,” he added, addressing the retired tennis icon.
“I’m thrilled. It’s amazing, honestly, to play in front of you guys, in front of good friends and family so all-in-all it’s a tremendous atmosphere so again, thank you all so much for the support.”
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Dimitrov continued to look up to Williams in the crowd and gave her another wave, signalling to meet after he got off court. The world No. 9 also had other post-match duties, addressing the media after reaching the quarter-final.
Williams wasn’t the only friend he saw on court – Dimitrov has a close bond with Rublev and later admitted it was tough to play one of his friends. The nine-time title winner explained: “I think let’s start with the good friend part. It’s never easy.
“Whoever that I’m kind of close to on tour. It always adds up to the occasion. Of course, we’re professionals and we know what’s at stake, but today was I think a match where – I mean, I knew I could count on a lot of things in my game, and in a way I knew what I had to do like a little bit better than last time I played him.”
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