“The clothes don’t wear you,” the Bulgarian says, “You wear the clothes.”
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PARIS—A year ago, Grigor Dimitrov debuted his new partnership with Lacoste at the tournament where the prestigious brand is most widely recognized: Roland Garros.
The former world No. 3 sported a classic white polo with mild green accents that carried through to matching shorts on his way to a fourth-round showing that was the tip of the iceberg for what was to come.
Twelve months later, Dimitrov has emerged as one of the bright spots on the ATP Tour through his resurgent Top 10 return and pair of Masters 1000 runner-up finishes. Aptly, his fit at the latest edition of the Paris major involves a livelier shade of green while working in Lacoste’s classic blue for a combination that speaks to the Bulgarian.
“This is actually one of my favorite ones, to be honest. I really like the green, it really gets me going,” Dimitrov exclusively told Baseline Thursday following his second-round win over Fabian Marozsan. “I think it’s a strong color for me. I really like it. Last year was very nice, too, but this year I wanted to go for something stronger.”
Dimitrov has felt right at home in collaborating with the French company. When I noted to him that it’s been 99 years since co-founder Rene Lacoste captured his first Grand Slam title at this very tournament, the 33-year-old lit up.
“Hopefully I can win mine too, for the first one!” he exclaimed. “I think it’s very special when you have such a heritage like this brand itself.
“We’re all adjusting to changes and I’ve been pleased with everything. It’s very nice and easy to work with them. This tournament is very different in that sense. We all can see it, we all can understand it. It’s a mutual feeling.”
I really like the green, it really gets me going. I think it’s a strong color for me. —Grigor Dimitrov
Through his first two wins here, Dimitrov has rolled through in straight sets—yet to be pushed beyond 6-4. Does the 2017 ATP Finals champion buy into the notion that wearing match kits that represent his spirit projects confidence on the court? Absolutely.
“The clothes don’t wear you. You wear the clothes. It’s so important to have something that not only fits good, but feels right and you like wearing,” he shares. “For so many years, I’ve always been very picky with everything around me. From my racquets to shoes to socks to wristbands to pretty much everything I put on my body. It’s been a fun time with that and I think I’ll keep on being that way.”
Dimitrov next takes on Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs with a return to the fourth round on the line. The No. 10 seed is looking to get beyond that stage for the first time at the clay-court major, having reached the semifinals at the other three Grand Slam events.
If Dimitrov’s kit is any indication, buy his stock now.
