Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov put on an entertaining contest in Bulgaria.
Four years on from his controversial Adria Tour event spectacularly backfiring, it’s fair to say that Novak Djokovic has made amends with Grigor Dimitrov.
On Tuesday night, the pair faced off in an entertaining exhibition match in Bulgaria, which left a sold out crowd enthralled and entertained in equal measures.
It was the home hero who eventually ran out winner, levelling the match at one set all before taking the deciding tie-break 10-6.
But the result seemed largely academic, with both stars topless at one point and taking part in a dance-off to huge cheers in Arena Sofia Hall.
Djokovic also sang to his rival afterwards, adding to a spectacle which raised funds for Dimitrov’s foundation. Formed in 2020, the charity helps underprivileged children in Bulgaria develop physical and emotional skills.
The presence of the 24-time Grand Slam champion undoubtedly helped raise publicity for the event as well as sell tickets after he prioritized the exhibition over representing Team Europe in the Laver Cup this week.
Djokovic however, also seemingly owed Dimitrov one, something he admitted to in the build-up to the match. Back in 2020, it was Djokovic who sought to defy Covid-19 fears by arranging the Adria Tour during lockdown.
The mini-tour was due to consist of tournaments in Belgrade, Serbia and Zadar, only for Dimitrov to duly announce he had tested positive for the virus in Croatia.
His most recent opponent, Borna Coric, then confirmed he had Covid-19 before Viktor Troicki and Djokovic himself also tested positive.
The tour was then cancelled under a siege of criticism, after players ignored social distancing guidelines throughout.
“With Grigor, he came to Serbia to play in the Adria Tour exhibition a few years ago,” explained Djokovic prior to Tuesday’s match. “And then we agreed that I’m going to play with him in Bulgaria when the time arrives and it’s suitable for both of us.
“So, now is the time, and I look forward to it. I never played in Bulgaria, and we are obviously culturally very similar nations and people. So, that’s going to be fun.”
It’s unlikely any ill feeling lingers on behalf of Dimitrov now. He emotionally addressed the crowd after the contest, which was watched by football legend Hristo Stoichkov and Levski coach Stanislav Genchev.
“I am filled with happiness. I want to thank you. I always get very excited when I play in front of you,” he said on court afterwards.
Djokovic responded with: “Brother, thanks for this match. Grigor is a good friend and it’s an honour and a privilege to support his foundation. It’s a pleasure to be here.”
