Roger Federer: Grigor Dimitrov sends subtle warning to Rafael Nadal
GRIGOR DIMITROV has hinted Rafael Nadal will never be on Roger Federer’s level because the latter is in a “league of his own”.
Federer prepares for his return to the ABN Amro tournament
Federer returns to action this week in the Rotterdam Open just weeks after winning his 20th Grand Slam at the Australian Open.
And with Rafael Nadal out of action due to injury, Federer could overtake his rivals as the new world No 1 if he reaches the final four in Holland.
The Swiss star would become the oldest player in ATP Tour history to achieve that feat at 36 years old.
But Dimitrov, who could potentially meet Federer in the final in Rotterdam, wouldn’t be surprised if Federer did overtake Nadal because he believes there is no other player quite like him.
He’s in a league of his own and that’s the reason he is where he is right now
“He’s done so much for the game already and achieved so much already,” Dimitrov told ATP World Tour’s official website.
“To me, if it happens it’s just another thing he has done.
“I’m not even surprised anymore from his ability to show up at a tournament after not playing for so long, even though he has now.
Roger Federer could become the new world No 1 this week
Grigor Dimitrov has suggested Rafael Nadal is nowhere near Roger Federer's level
“Just showing up at a tournament and winning, if he becomes No 1 again… basically he’s just trying to break his own records.
“That’s the best thing, he’s in a league of his own and that’s the reason he is where he is right now.”
Federer gets his tournament underway against Belgian qualifier Ruben Bemelmans tomorrow morning (9am).