How Rafael Nadal responded after Grigor Dimitrov asked him to become his coach on clay in 2022
Rafael Nadal’s response to Grigor Dimitrov’s coaching request
Dimitrov has struggled on clay throughout his career and his recent loss at the Monte-Carlo Masters to Tomas Martin Etcheverry will see him fall out of the top 100.
Back in 2022, during a live stream with Nadal on FanJolt, Dimitrov asked the King of Clay to help him on the surface.
Has there ever been a sadder retirement than Rafael Nadal’s in 2024?
Andy Murray’s was a long time coming but still pretty emotional!
Juan Martin del Potro’s springs to mind, he had so much talent but his body just wouldn’t cooperate with him to achieve his potential 🙁
“Okay, how about this? Hypothetically, you’re done with your career, let’s say in ten years. I will call you and say, ‘Rafa, can you come with me for three clay-court tournaments,” said Dimitrov.
Nadal: “I’m very expensive, man,” joked Nadal as the pair laughed.
“I’ll pay for two tournaments and the third one, you do for free,” joked Dimitrov.
Eventually, Nadal warmed to the idea of coaching Dimitrov, although it is yet to materialise for the Bulgarian.
“You know I’m there,” said Nadal. “I don’t know if I will be able to help but of course, I’m going to put everything that I have to help.
“But if you win the title, we’re going to have a big party. That’s the only request that I have.”
Grigor Dimitrov’s only clay court title
Dimitrov has spent 18 years on the ATP Tour, since making his debut during the 2008 season as a 17-year-old.
The Bulgarian’s career has brought nine titles, but only one of them has come on his least favourite surface.
