Dimitrov: Hurt So Good

NEW YORK—Drawing pleasure from pain was key to Grigor Dimitrov's five-set US Open upset of Roger Federer.The 28-year-old Bulgarian lost a grueling 22-point game when Federer fought through a 22-point hold for 3-4 in the fourth set.More: Federer Stunned, Dimitrov ElatedDespite losing that battle, Dimitrov won the physical war defeating Federer for the first time in eight career meetings."I was very happy even though I lost the game. I did exactly what I wanted to do," Dimitrov said.

One of the fittest players on the pro tour, Dimitrov said he was "smiling" knowing he had drained strength from the 38-year-old Swiss' legs.That hurt so good dynamic showed in the final set.After Federer left the court for a medical timeout to treat an upper back issue following the fourth set, Dimitrov flew to a 4-0 lead in the decider. Seeing the 20-time Grand Slam champion trying to shorten points reinforced Dimitrov's belief he held the stamina edge. "I didn't know to what extent his injury was or whatever was bothering him," Dimitrov said. "But I think even when I lost that game, I was actually smiling going through the changeover because I was, That game must have hurt him a lot."For me, it actually filled me up. I tried to use that negative sort of situation into my positive. After that fourth set, I felt also he kind of needed a little bit of a break, as well. I kept on pushing through. I think in the first game in the fifth, I put so many returns back, pretty much all the returns, so he had to go. He wanted to keep the points really short. I used every single opportunity I had."Photo credit: US Open Facebook]]>