Roger Federer is both inspiration and instructor to Grigor Dimitrov.
In a new Q & A with Interview Magazine, Dimitrov says he's learned more from his losses to Federer than he has facing any other top player. Read the full interview here.
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"I've always learned a lot in my matches against Roger," Dimitrov told Interview. "I realize what I can improve and what I can be better at in certain situations out on the court. "
Learning to beat the Swiss maestro is a lesson Dimitrov has yet to master.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion has won all five encounters with Dimitrov, including a three-set win in the Brisbane quarterfinals and a four-set victory in the Australian Open third round earlier this year.
Dimitrov, who has won one of six meetings with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, says Federer's competitive calm is instructive.
"I've played Novak quite a few times. I think I've played Andy more than anyone," Dimitrov said. "But for me, every time I play against Roger, I learn the most. Obviously, the outcome is the same because I haven't beaten him yet, but I really learn a lot. Of course, the other players are unbelievable and they're always on top of their games."
Hall of Famer Pete Sampras has called Dimitrov a potential Grand Slam champion—if he can learn to play points with clarity and assert his expansive all-court skills rather than drifting indecisively on court.
"Grigor Dimitrov, I think he hits the ball great," Sampras said. "He just has to figure out a way to win. He's just a little confused out there.
"I think he's got all the shots. He serves well, moves well, returns well. But he's the one guy that I think could do some things."
Dimitrov tells Interview tennis is his passion, but insists the sport isn't his only pursuit and does not define him.
"I paint or maybe do a couple pictures of friends," Dimitrov said. "I design clothes, for example. This is who I am. It's very hard when people tell you, 'Here, this is what defines you.'
"I love tennis. But even if I become the greatest of all time, I still don't only want to be defined by tennis. I'm my own person. And I want to be remembered as I really am. I'm so much more than tennis. Tennis is my dream. It is what I love. And it is what I want to be best at."
The former Wimbledon semifinalist faces 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic in a tough opening-round match at the Rio Olympics.
"I love the Olympics. I love the idea of something happening every four years," Dimitrov told the magazine. "I've always had love for Bulgaria, and I've always been a Bulgarian. That's also really part of why I want to play it. I know it's tough for the calendar, but at the same time, it's the Olympics."
Photo credit: Brisbane International