Dimitrov is king of Queen’s with helping hand from Sharapova

The 23-year-old Bulgarian has been dubbed as ‘Baby Fed’ – relating to similarities with Roger Federer – for years, and conceded claiming the Aegon Championships yesterday cements his sharp upward curve.

Dimitrov saved a second-set match point to claim his third title of the season with a gritty 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (8-6) victory over Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in Kensington.

And the world No 13 hailed girlfriend and five-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova for helping him hone his winning mentality.

“We’re about to find out, in a week,” said Dimitrov when asked if his grand slam moment might finally arrive at Wimbledon.

“It’s always special to win in that week. This tournament in particular has been one I wanted to win.

“Ever since I’ve played as a teenager here I’ve dreamt of that moment, and you can even feel it in the spirit of the trophy itself when you lift it, it means something.

“So I’m just heading into Wimbledon with a lot of positive vibes.

“Of course it’s great when you have all the pieces around you, it’s touching for me because it’s how I feel most comfortable.

“I have my team on a good level, and that adds up, because you know you’ll be embraced either way.

“Maria’s been unbelievable with me throughout all the years so far, just supporting me, and I think the feeling’s mutual, and I hope this won’t be the last tournament she’s at.

“I think this is a step forward for me. I’m excited with progress so far, but my goals are way too high, so I wouldn’t call it a breakthrough or a coming of age – not yet.

“I’ve had such a good time but there’s still a lot to be achieved.”

Dimitrov broke new ground by reaching the Australian Open quarter-finals in January, and believes his Queen’s success pushes him even further in the right direction.

Girlfriend Sharapova was a keen spectator throughout the week in Kensington, on hand again for the final.

Dimitrov admitted feeling lucky to have the Russian and coach Roger Rasheed in his corner.

“I think having Maria on my side definitely adds up, from a tremendous champion like her, there’s a lot to learn,” said Dimitrov.

“Men’s and women’s tennis are completely different areas in a way, but there’s certainly a good amount I’ve learned from her so far. So that’s a good sign.

“Throughout the years I’ve changed six or seven coaches, and have definitely learned a lot from all of them.

“I think approaching my early 20s I felt really determined with what I want to achieve, and have been starting to understand what my game is all about.

“Everything happened pretty naturally with Roger, it just feels comfortable.

“I was fired up all week, it’s been a very successful week for me.

“Down match point in the second set, I just worked hard.”

Beaten finalist Lopez backed Dimitrov as the most likely young gun to break the grand slam stranglehold of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

“He’s the young guy on the tour who is best equipped,” said the 32-year-old from Toledo.

“He’s the most complete player of all that young generation, and he’s already doing well. Sooner or later it will come for him, but right now it’s tough.”

Britain’s 24-year wait for a doubles champion at Queen’s continues after Jamie Murray and John Peers were unable to topple second seeds Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares.

Scot Murray and Australian Peers lost their fourth consecutive clash with Austrian Peya and Brazilian Soares, losing the champions’ tie-break in a close-fought encounter.

Murray and Peers claimed the first set 6-4, and broke the tournament second favourites in the first game of the second set.

Their seasoned opponents fought back to square the tie, taking the second set 7-6 (7/4), to tee up the decisive first-to-10 tie-break, played in lieu of a third set.

Peya and Soares won out 10-4 to claim the title, leaving 28-year-old Murray deflated not to convert such a promising start.

Jeremy Bates remains Britain’s last doubles title-winner at the Queen’s Club Aegon Championships, back in 1990.

Neil Broad made the final in 1993, and Murray had impressed in being the first Brit to follow suit.

Murray and Peers saw off top seeds Bob and Mark Bryan en route to the final, but were 
unable to repeat that giant-killing when silverware was on the line yesterday.