Grigor Dimitrov has spoken out about his close friendship with tennis legend Serena Williams following a warm embrace at the 2024 Miami Open.
The Bulgarian met Williams after his semi-final win over Alexander Zverev and said it was “so humbling to have such supporters by your side”.
Dimitrov ended his seven-game losing streak against world No. 5 Zverev, winning 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4 to advance to the Miami Open final for the first time.
The 32-year-old hopes to win a second 1,000-meter Masters title on top of his 2017 Cincinnati Masters title. Last October, he finished second at the Paris Masters.
The former world No. 3 defeated three top-10 players in a row in Miami to reach the finals, beating Hubert Hulkac in the round of 16 and Carlos Carlos in the quarter-finals. Alcaraz then defeated Zverev.
READ MORE: Grigor Dimitrov marks stunning resurgence with major ranking milestone at Miami Open
After his victory over Zverev, Dimitrov chatted and hugged Williams, who watched and supported him in the semifinals.
iconic @Grigor_Dimitrov @serenawilliams #miamiopen pic.twitter.com/ITm24EElfG
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 30, 2024
In the post-match press conference, Dimitrov was asked what it meant to him to have the great American supporting him in such an important game.
“She’s amazing. Stay in touch. We talk almost every day. She said, let me come over and check it out. I was like, ‘Okay.’ “It’s always very humbling to have such a supporter by your side and I think just before the match she came and we chatted for a while,” said the current world number 12.
“Actually, I remember she was here when I won my first top 10. It was a really great moment. I think we all remember that. It’s friendship, man. I think it’s the best Part. Tennis is tennis, but, you know, we’re all living our dreams now.
“I think real life begins and I think after all these years we’ve become such good and close friends. Again, being able to continue to read and share thoughts, ideas, and sometimes even vent, with someone who has actually played tennis, is so important to Right? That helps.”
Dimitrov will face world No. 3 Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in the Miami Championship on Sunday. The 22-year-old Italian maintains a 21-1 record in 2024 after a strong start to the season and is the only ATP player to win more matches than Dimitrov so far this year.
READ MORE: WATCH: Serena Williams gives huge praise to Jannik Sinner as they meet at Miami Open