In the world of tennis, few stories are as captivating as the journey of Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian player arrived at Emilio Sanchez Academy in 2007 to train as a younger player during two seasons. Under the guidance of coaches Pato Alvarez and Emilio Sanchez Vicario, Dimitrov’s talent began to blossom and his unique style showcased how far he would go. 

During his stay at Emilio Sanchez Academy, Dimitrov’s meteoric rise was marked by remarkable achievements. In 2008, he clinched two Junior Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, ascending to the coveted position of Junior World No. 1. In a resolute career-defining decision, he bid farewell to the junior circuit, setting his sights on the pro tour.

Source: Emilio Sanchez Academy.

Under the tutelage of Dani Vallverdu, another student-athlete at the ES Academy, Dimitrov's journey continued to evolve. Embarking on a carerer spanning over 15 years on the ATP Tour, today Dimitrov is experiencing a resurgnce in his game. In 2024 alone, he secured the prestigious Australian Open title and clinched the runner-up position in the Miami Open and Open 13 Provence, reaffirming his status as a formidable player in men's professional tennis.

With a career-high ranking of No. 3 and currently holding No. 10 in the ATP rankings (at the time this article was published), Dimitrov’s legacy is one of resilience and determination. At the Mutua Madrid Open, Dimitrov crossed paths with his former mentor, Emilio Sanchez Vicario, sparking a reflective conversation about his journey and the profound impact of tennis on his life.

Source: Emilio Sanchez Academy.

In this exclusive audio interview, Dimitrov delves into his own insights, sharing thoughts on his enduring passion for tennis and the lessons learned throughout his lengthy (and impressive) tennis career.

Listen to the full interview between Emilio Sanchez and Grigor Dimitrov below...

The Interview

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By Emilio Sánchez Vicario, ES Academy CEO and Susana Zaragoza Añón, ES Academy Marketing Department. Source: Emilio Sanchez Academy.