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2/11/09 12:27 PM | Johan Lindahl
Rafael Nadal needs to start his Rotterdam week with a first-round win over Simone Bolelli to fulfill the dream of possible upcoming opponent Grigor Dimitrov.
The Bulgarian 17-year-old, ranked just inside the Top 500, is keen for a first-ever ATP date against Spain's six-time Grand Slam champion.
Dimitrov booked his place by upsetting Tomas Berdych, and now wants to face off against his occasional practice partner. Dimitrov, ranked 487th, is coached by new mentor Peter Lundgren, who last worked with Marcos Baghdatis.
The youngster was toughened up in December by Gil Reyes, fitness guru of Andre Agassi. And the tennis great himself had a hit with the teenager and a little chat about life on the circuit.
Dimitrov and Nadal have trained together as well. "He's never given me any tips, but just working with him and watching his game is tips enough - his practice sessions are crazy," said the Bulgarian. "If I play Nadal it will show me what I have to work on in my game."
Nadal has rested for only a few days wince winning the Australian Open title over Roger Federer. The world No. 1 lost in the Rotterdam second round last year and is ready to save face with the local public.
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not happening
and this matchup almost didn't happen because Nadal only beat Bolelli 7-5 in the third
RickyDimon , 2/12/09 2:13 AM
so true, "almost didn't happen!" bolelli plays excellent on the faster surface. even after the second set, he didn't give an inch. good effort from him! it could have gone either way, but i'm glad rafa pulled it out! still, he has some work to do. this 17-year old seems to be beside himself with anticipation and excitement! i've never seen him play before, so i look forward to it. it should be interesting! vamos, rafa!
memi , 2/12/09 3:22 AM
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Yes, yes. I'll say it first.
If he beats Rafa it will be "Eerily reminiscent of when a 17-year-old Nadal defeated Federer in Miami 2004 6-3, 6-3 and Federer was the age Nadal is now and zomg is this the changing of the guard."
Done. Everybody okay? :D
mara2 , 2/11/09 11:48 PM