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Dimitrov: Top 20 is very achievable


 

Originally published on: 18/04/13 00:00

After two tight losses to Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in Indian Wells and Miami respectively, world No.37 Dimitrov picked up the second top ten win of his career in the second round of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, beating Tipsarevic 7-6(3) 6-1.

With a first ever ATP final appearance in Brisbane and a semi-final in Rotterdam, world No.34 Dimitrov has risen 14 spots in the rankings since the beginning of the season. Now the Bulgarian, who has drawn comparisons with Roger Federer, says reaching the top 20 by the end of the year is “very achievable” but that producing consistent performances is his main focus.

“I think the most important thing is to have good composure throughout all the weeks,” said the 21-year-old. “You're going to play a lot of tournaments during the year, a lot of traveling. If you have a good set of mind, you're committed to the work, you want to do that work, you definitely got to do it.

“[It’s] important to stay healthy, injury free. Of course, the top 20 by the end of the year, it's very achievable. As I said, the consistency is going to [be] key, work in all the matches, and never give up. That's the one thing I've been really looking forward to. I'm just going to have to keep working and keep chasing my goals.”

Dimitrov, who won both the Wimbledon and US Open junior titles, has been tagged as a future star for much of his career but the Haskovo native insists he doesn’t feel the weight of expectation. 

“I think the toughest expectations are definitely from me,” he said. “I don't have that pressure from the people around me or what everybody is saying, all this, all that. 

“Of course, you kind of want to please [the fans]. The most important thing is if you kind of please yourself in a way cause you're going out there playing alone. [If] you try to do the best you can eventually everyone else around you will be happy.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.