TWO 'greatest' matches EVER played @ Wimbledon have him as a loser - in five sets.
BOTH were lost to clowns fighting to strip him of GOAT status. And the two clowns are not even grass court specialists.
He has lost FOUR finals (12-8). Sampras lost nothing. Borg lost one. Djokovic has lost nothing @ AO (7-0). Mowgli has done the same @ FO (12-0).
ALL FOUR finals were lost to two clowns after his GOAT pedestal. Djokovic: 3, Mowgli: 1.
He is ahead of the previous record by ONE (and NOT counting) - with Sampras currently 'negotiating' with Krajicek - meaning he could be tied, suited and thonged with Federer. Djokovic is ahead by ONE too @ AO - but it's counting. Mowgli is ahead by SIX @ FO - and counting.
Why are they in a boat? And what's their destination?
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: Shelby Rogers helps with food preparation at Citi Taste Of Tennis DC at The Hamilton on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for AYS Sports Marketing)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: Sloane Stephens appears at Citi Taste Of Tennis DC at The Hamilton on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for AYS Sports Marketing)
What if someone takes a photo and makes a duplicate key?
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: Monica Puig appears at Citi Taste Of Tennis DC at The Hamilton on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for AYS Sports Marketing)
Yeah, you are a macho man - with the beard, super original hair do and tattoos - even though you are a midget.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: Chef Dan Kennedy and John Isner attend the Citi Taste Of Tennis DC at The Hamilton on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for AYS Sports Marketing)
We are not blind. Just freaking hold it close to your freaking body already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: Shelby Rogers appears at Citi Taste Of Tennis DC at The Hamilton on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for AYS Sports Marketing)
Planning for next Osaka?
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: Guests appear at Citi Taste Of Tennis DC at The Hamilton on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for AYS Sports Marketing)
Such a natural beauty on the left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: Guests appear at Citi Taste Of Tennis DC at The Hamilton on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for AYS Sports Marketing)
He will easily qualify for WTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And here's a general secret: Your face broadcasts how freaking fat and obese you are - tent clothes fool no one. And beard doesn't help either.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: The Rakiem Walker Project performs at Citi Taste Of Tennis DC at The Hamilton on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for AYS Sports Marketing)
Yeah, you are really tall - and in an elevator.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: Gloria Ryann and Rakiem Walker of the Rakiem Walker Project appear at Citi Taste Of Tennis DC at The Hamilton on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for AYS Sports Marketing)
Aren't you supposed to wear some head gear?
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 29: John Isner prepares food with Chef Jerome Grant at Citi Taste Of Tennis DC at The Hamilton on July 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images for AYS Sports Marketing)
An Arkansas woman went to a local Payless that was closing down and walked away with more than just a few pairs of shoes for her three children.
Carrie Jernigan, of Alma, was checking out at the store in May when her oldest daughter, who “has the biggest heart,” asked her if they could buy a pair of Avengersshoes for a fellow student whose shoes were too small for him, according to CBS affiliate KFSM.
“I was like, ‘Of course,’ ” Jernigan told the news outlet. “I just said, ‘How much for the rest of the shoes in the store?’ I was almost joking and I could see the clerk’s face and her wheels start to turn and she finished checking me out. She said, ‘Can I have your number?’ “
The district manager then called Jernigan — who expected there to be around 200 to 300 shoes left — and told her that there were almost 1,500 shoes she could purchase because of a new shipment they received that day.
“I always tell my kids, if you ask them what they want to be when they grow up, they say be kind, and so I don’t care what they do in life as long as they are kind and good people,” Jernigan told KFSM. “And so it just reiterates to me that their hearts are in the right place, and if it’s in the right place they can do amazing things.”
According to Money, the 37-year-old lawyer and local school board’s president “took home nearly $21,000 worth of merchandise — the majority of which she saved from the store’s blowout sale.”
Jernigan “intends to donate roughly 1,100 pairs to kids and local schools and give the remaining shoes to adults in need,” Money reported.
Payless announced earlier this year that they will be shutting down all 2,100 of its stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
“Payless will begin liquidation sales at its U.S. and Puerto Rico stores on February 17, 2019, and is winding down its e-commerce operations,” a Payless spokesperson confirmed to CNN Business, adding that “this process does not affect the Company’s franchise operations or its Latin American stores, which remain open for business as usual.”
KFSM reported that Jernigan’s story has inspired others to donate, and the family is now throwing a back-to-school bash on Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Alma Middle School Gym.
“They will be partnering with Kibler Baptist Church and will also be giving away school supplies,” KFSM reported.
There's a lot to love-love about prize money and sponsorships.
The issue of female athletes’ pay is front and center like never before.
After the U.S. women’s soccer team (and defending global champs) dominated once again in the recent World Cup, making their male counterparts look, shall we say, less impressive by comparison, the discussion heated up with people wondering why the women aren’t getting paid anywhere near the same amount.
The gender pay disparity is, of course, an ongoing and loaded topic in sports. Serena Williams was the only woman to make it onto Forbes’ 2019 ranking of the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes, slotting in at No. 63. That fact is less surprising than disappointing to many onlookers.
Still, there are bright spots to cheer about. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 richest female athletes right now, according to Forbes as well as other sources reporting information on earnings, endorsements, and estimated net worth. Here’s where they stand. (Spoiler: Tennis is a moneymaker.)
How she makes her money: The Williams sisters tend to get most of the attention among American female tennis players, but Stephens is anything but a slouch. Just as her sponsorships were drying up, the 26-year-old phenom grabbed her first Grand Slam title (the 2017 U.S. Open), making her the first female American (whose last name isn’t Williams) to win such a title since 2002. New deals flooded in, including major ones with Mercedes-Benz, Rolex, Colgate, Chocolate Milk, Biofreeze, and Nike. She’s partnered with the “Just Do It” brand to bring fresh Air Jordans to the court.
How she makes her money: Though she’s retired from her record-breaking UFC career that ended in upsetting defeat, Rousey still has ubiquity on her side. She’s fifth among all female athletes in awareness, according to publicity agency The Marketing Arm’s ranking of the most marketable celebrities. She’s consistently been among the top 10 highest-earning female athletes, Forbes reports, raking in $14 million in 2016 alone, and she’s been known to pop up in major movies. Between previous deals and her current contract with WWE (her newest gig), the 32-year-old’s wealth remains healthy.
How she makes her money: It’s hard to outpace tennis stars in earnings among female athletes, and there’s one obvious reason: Unlike in other sports, women play alongside men and have equal pay in the Grand Slam tournaments (though it should be noted there is still a pay disparity, including in smaller competitions). The Spanish-Venezuelan Muguruza, 25, has reaped the rewards of this model, taking in an equal split of $5.5 million in prize money in 2018 after winning her second Slam at Wimbledon and $5.5 million in endorsements. Those brand checks came from Adidas, Rolex, and Beats by Dre, among others.
How she makes her money: While her deal with Adidas ended at the end of 2017, the 27-year-old tennis champ Halep, who has been No. 1 among women in singles, can still count on plenty of coin. She just overcame Serena Williams to win the 2019 Wimbledon title, which will have major effects on her future earnings beyond the £2.35 million (nearly $3 million) prize money. She already inked a multiyear contract with Nike last year, and more corporate tie-ins are likely to pour in.
How she makes her money: Three-time Grand Slam champion Kerber, 31, may have hit a rough period, parting ways with her coach after a disappointing performance at this year’s Wimbledon. But the German still won the same tournament only last year for a $2.83 million cash prize, and her bank statements are no doubt doing fine. She’s locked down endorsements with Adidas, Porsche, Rolex, and other luxury brands.
How she makes her money: Former No. 1 in women’s singles Wozniacki can sleep well knowing she’s turned her ace tennis performance into brand awareness and major dollars. The 29-year-old Danish star has inked contracts with Adidas and Rolex and recently collaborated with Ovvo Optics to create her own sunglasses line.
How she makes her money: Patrick, one of only two non-tennis players on this list, comes behind only the Williams sisters in The Marketing Arm’s ranking of the most marketable female athletes, which notes her high trust level among the public. The 37-year-old queen of racing retired after last year’s Indianapolis 500, but she’s still cashing in on her legendary status with her own clothing line, Warrior by Danica Patrick, and her fitness book Pretty Intense. Her relationship with NFL star Aaron Rodgers ensures that she won’t be leaving the minds of sports fans anytime soon.
How she makes her money: Sure, Serena takes a bit more of the spotlight in recent years, but make no mistake: Venus is a fearsome competitor on and off the court. While her women’s singles ranking has dipped (she’s currently No. 53), the elder Williams sister’s marketing power is nearly unmatched: She’s No. 2 behind Serena in The Marketing Arm’s ranking of brand-friendly female athletes, with high points for aspiration. The 39-year-old veteran superstar is sitting on money from massive dealsshe’s made over her career, including a $40 million partnership with Reebok and ties with Tide, Electronic Arts, and Ralph Lauren. She also reportedly commands as much as $100,000 for a speaking engagement.
How she makes her money: If you don’t follow tennis, the female player whose name you might recall outside of the Williams sisters is almost surely Sharapova’s. The 32-year-old, Russian-born five-time Grand Slam winner can still dominate on the court, earning $1 million in prize money just last year. More importantly, she keeps building an already extensive brand endorsement portfolio, recently adding a UBS deal to partnerships with behemoths like Nike, Porsche, and Evian.
How she makes her money: Serena Williams’ place at the top ranking of female athletes is undeniable. And with good reason: She’s known and admired around the world for her Grand Slam accomplishments, with a 91% awareness rate that puts her among the top 1% of all celebrities, according to The Marketing Arm. That marketability has also brought the 37-year-old an extraordinary amount of wealth, even after she took an extended break to have a baby. She’s secured more than a dozen sponsorships including with Nike, Intel, Audemars Piguet, JPMorgan Chase, Lincoln, Gatorade, and Beats. That largely explains her No. 63 place among Forbes’ 2019 richest athletes list, with $4.2 million in salary or winnings and $25 million in endorsements. Her off-the-court savvy for real estate investments and other opportunities — like, say, hanging out with Beyoncé — certainly doesn’t hurt her either.
When disembarking your flight, instead of lingering around, you should rush straight for the luggage carousel because that's where thieves congregate to steal your luggage as not much is required with respect to boarding pass / ticket etc. to access the area @ most airports.
Additionally, you should have the MOST colorful luggage to ensure it stands out and eliminates the possibility someone else inadvertently walks away with your luggage - because it looks like their own luggage.
Point: Struggling MIGHTILY against some '38 year-old' grandpa who not only extended you to FIVE freaking sets but also held TWO Championship points you were OUTRIGHT lucky to 'evade' - WASN'T a freaking coincidence.
Heck, even before facing Federer, Djokovic wasn't flying through the draw:
He had a 7-5 against Kohlschreiber in the opening round.
Dropped a set to some Hurkacz in second round.
Dropped a set to Agut in semifinal.
Wanna push it?
How about this:
Could this be Djoiovic's last Slam?
He may be 32 but Nadal and now Federer may have ensured, he is a VERY old 32 - specially as long as Nadal and Federer are breathing.
The trajectory he is on since the beginning of the year does not FULLY raise his status high enough to make him 'deserving' of holding two of three Slams for the season.
Deduction: The five set drama @ Wimbledon was MORE a product of Djokovic 'fading' precipitously than Federer producing some magical form. Granted Federer's form was great but that belonged to what's called the 'raising the game to match the opponent' syndrome.
Additionally, Federer had WAY too much at stake to leave him with no other option but to engage the 'last' gear - within the conditions he was operating under.
Besides, Djokovic was near-unanimously picked to win the tournament. That implies NOT getting humiliated in the final by some senior citizen. Heck, forget that, how about being plain lucky?
Here are the match stats:
Djokvoic
Category
Federer
10
Aces
25
62
First serve % in
63
3/8 (38%)
Break pts won
7/13 (54%)
54
Winners
94
52
Unforced errors
62
204
Total points won
218
5623.5 m
Distance covered
5810.3 m
13.3 m
Distance covered/pt
13.8 m
Combine above stats with his showing this year and in the VERY LEAST - you have to conclude he is not moving north - title 'rich' portfolio notwithstanding.
Bottom line: Federer was 'emboldened' - as if he needed that motivation to the one(s) he was already loaded with - with Djokovic leaving the door open repeatedly - resulting in elevation of Federer's game high enough to appear as if Federer was the 'one' when in fact it was Djokovic who was NOT the 'one'.
Translation: Djokovic better produce 'magnificently' @ hard courts this season to justify the title catch or else the train is sailing in some other direction - fast.
Despite all that, Djokvoic, however, has achieved the following - indisputably:
Federer's GOAT pedestal - already in shambles - is now shaking uncontrollably.
Nadal is now forced to stop 'picking' but rather start 'staring' at his behind LOT more than he has in the past. And that includes Masters (34-33).
When Alison Van Uytvanck took on fellow Belgian Greet Minnen in the WTA tournament in Karlsruhe on Monday there was more to the match than a place in the second round.
Van Uytvanck and Minnen, two of the few openly gay players on the tour, are partners off the court as well as on it; they played doubles together at Wimbledon earlier this month.
But before Monday's first-round encounter in Germany, they had never faced each other in a singles match on tour.
After the 25-year-old Van Uytvanck beat the 21-year-old Minnen, 6-4, 1-6, 6-1, the pair met at the net.
As they hugged, Van Uytvanck, ranked 66 in the world, gave her beaten opponent, ranked 123rd, a consoling squeeze and then planted a kiss on her lips.
Shortly after they left the court, Van Uytvanck retweeted a video of their embrace without adding a comment.
The women have been together for three years.
Earlier this month, before the pair lost in the second round of the Wimbledon doubles, she called for greater backing within the sport, to give more players the confidence to come out.
"I support to have more players coming out and supported, but I cannot do it alone," she said.
"The more players that come out, the better it will be for tennis and for other sports. That's the thing, I think. I did it, but I cannot do it for somebody else."
Their doubles partnership has already proved fruitful, winning the Luxembourg Open title in October.
"We have a lot of fun on the court. It's fun to play with her," Van Uytvanck said. "We try things, and that helps us to improve our game."
28 July 2019, Hamburg: Tennis, ATP-Tour, Hamburg European Open, singles, men, final in the stadium at Rothenbaum: Rubljow (Russia) - Bassilaschwili (Georgia). Nikolos Bassilashvili kisses the trophy after his victory. Photo: Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa (Photo by Daniel Bockwoldt/picture alliance via Getty Images)
28 July 2019, Hamburg: Tennis, ATP-Tour, Hamburg European Open, singles, men, final in the stadium at Rothenbaum: Rubeljow (Russia) - Bassilaschwili (Georgia). Andrej Rubeljow (l), the runner-up, and Nikolos Bassilaschwili, the winner, will be together with their prizes during the award ceremony. Photo: Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa (Photo by Daniel Bockwoldt/picture alliance via Getty Images)
28 July 2019, Hamburg: Tennis, ATP-Tour, Hamburg European Open, singles, men, final in the stadium at Rothenbaum: Rubljow (Russia) - Bassilaschwili (Georgia). Nikolos Basilashvili holds the trophy after his victory. Photo: Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa (Photo by Daniel Bockwoldt/picture alliance via Getty Images)
He has asked Wawrinka to NEVER 'contact' him again - NO MATTER what he 'needs'.
Gave me an ultimatum to lose weight and look EXACTLY like Hantachuva by end of this year or he is eloping with Ryan Harrison - newer model of Wawrinka.
He contacted ALL Serbians residing in Switzerland and e-mailed all of them following message: "Go back where you came from".
I don't know why, but he told me the animal he hates MOST is Porcupine.
He wants 40-15 to be removed from tennis scoreboard - permanently - along with ALL tie-breaks.
He told me Sue Barker is old, ugly, wrinkly, hates kids - specially male and female twins, has no dress sense, never played tennis, she won just ONE Slam @ French Open when Nadal was not in the draw, never won Wimbledon, is bad interviewer, asks uncomfortable questions, gets her hair cut @ 99 cents store..............
All 16 year-old people lack brain power, physical strength, sharp features, verifiable parents, worst looking among their siblings, insecure, cringe-worthy, people don't laugh at their jokes - at all, nobody likes them, endowed with girly frame...............
He told me Ljubicic resembles the worst body part of a man. And that's without even sporting the headband. With it, the two are indistinguishable.
He wants to be the President of Switzerland and make certain two countries NOT great again.
He told me "I am withholding sex". Isn't that what women do - and men don't? He won't 'release' the withholding until I publicly admit using the pre-poked condom to trap him. Not a problem. I called Annaconda and so far it's proven to be blessing - NOT in disguise.
Tennis star John Isner made history in the sport this week, becoming the first player to sign an endorsement deal with a CBD company.
Isner partnered with Defy, a sports performance drink company that has created a CBD-infused sports drink. The 34-year-old — who is currently ranked No. 14 in the world — will start wearing Defy’s logo on his hat while competing and begin drinking the beverage, which is viewed as a muscle recovery aid.
Defy, which was founded by NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Davis, has produced the first performance-based CBD drink, with a goal of breaking into professional sports.
The sports drink contains 20 milligrams of CBD per bottle. CBD, or cannabidiol, is grown in popularity in recent years for its numerous health benefits. While it is one of the main ingredients found in cannabis, it does not create a “high” feeling like THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, does. According tot he World Health Organization, CBD “exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”
The drink itself is “formulated to aid in rapid muscle fiber recovery and clear-headed, hyper-focused training,” something Isner said thinks can help his game.
"I play a sport where taking a single point off can be the difference between winning and losing a match and DEFY is a product specifically intended to put me in a position to perform on every single point,” Isner said in a statement. “It’s been great getting to know DEFY as a company and I look forward to working with them to help people achieve improved performance through CBD."
Isner has one title so far this season, winning at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island, last week, and has compiled a 20-8 record. He fell in the Round of 16 at the Atlanta Open to Reilly Opelka on Wednesday.
Granted this is sort of 'irrational' but when you are minutes removed from the greatest ONE moment that could count as the SOLE history defining moment in all of sports - that was 'allowed' to pass, you are flying 'blind'.
Federer was 'hoping' Sue Barker will respond with "Sure, we will give you one - just for the kids - given you were just one point away". Go to 1:40.
It was his ABSOLUTE desperation and frustration - 'speaking'.
Shouldn't he be DNA tested for being the son of that wrestler Andre, the giant?
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 26: Reilly Opelka of the United States of the United States returns a forehand to Daniel Evans of Great Britain during the BB&T Atlanta Open at Atlantic Station on July 26, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 26: Reilly Opelka of the United States celebrates after defeating Daniel Evans of Great Britain during the BB&T Atlanta Open at Atlantic Station on July 26, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: Coco Gauff addresses the media during the Citi Open - Preview at Rock Creek Tennis Center on July 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: Coco Gauff helps with the draw during the Citi Open - Preview at Rock Creek Tennis Center on July 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Looks like he may have beaten Graf if not for the nose job????????????????? Looks sliced - to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
25 July 2019, Hamburg: Tennis, ATP-Tour, Hamburg European Open, singles, men, round of 16 in the stadium at Rothenbaum: Boris Becker, former tennis professional, smiles during a press conference. Photo: Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa (Photo by Daniel Bockwoldt/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Eye may not have troubled your life as much some other body part(s)!!!!!!!!!!!
25 July 2019, Hamburg: Tennis, ATP-Tour, Hamburg European Open, singles, men, round of 16 in the stadium at Rothenbaum: Boris Becker, former tennis professional, is watching a game. Photo: Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa (Photo by Daniel Bockwoldt/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Why not just get a dryer?????????????
25 July 2019, Hamburg: Tennis, ATP-Tour, Hamburg European Open, singles, men, round of 16 in the stadium at Rothenbaum: Delbonis (Argentina) - Zverev (Germany). Alexander Zverev rejoices after his victory. Photo: Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa (Photo by Daniel Bockwoldt/picture alliance via Getty Images)
What's that movie Honey I shrunk something? And what's the freaking rationale for this SPECIFIC size? So you don't come back for more? That it fits in your trailer?
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 25: Ash Barty holds the French Open trophy during the Ash Barty Welcome Home event at Queensland Tennis Centre on July 25, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Shouldn't you make sure the lipstick doesn't smear your teeth - for some international event?
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 25: Ash Barty and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk pose during the Ash Barty Welcome Home event at Queensland Tennis Centre on July 25, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
You have shoe shine people there too - in hordes??????????????????????
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 25: Ash Barty speaks to media during the Ash Barty Welcome Home event at Queensland Tennis Centre on July 25, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Ivan Lendl has ended his year-long spell as coach to Alexander Zverev, just days after the German world number five complained the former eight-time major winner spent more time talking about "golf and his dog" than tennis.
"I believe in 'Sascha' who is still very young. I think he will become a great player," Lendl said in a statement released to AFP through his agent.
"But the problems outside the sport which he has at the moment prevent me from working in the way I would like to. I wish him the best for the future."
The relationship between the two men had deteriorated recently, with 22-year-old Zverev criticising what he claimed was a lack of involvement from Lendl.
"Sometimes I go on the court to practice for two hours but for half an hour, he will tell me how he played golf yesterday," the German player told a news conference on the sidelines of the Hamburg ATP tournament where he is playing this week.
"In addition to that, Lendl has a new dog with whom he spends a lot of time."
After his defeat in the first round of Wimbledon earlier this month, Lendl advised Zverev to "focus more on tennis".
"As far as my work ethic is concerned, I'm pretty confident that my track record speaks for itself," said Lendl, who won 94 ATP tournaments in his career.
Under his guidance, Zverev won the ATP Finals in 2018, easily the most prestigious victory of his career.
Lendl, 59, previously worked with three-time major winner Andy Murray.
On Friday, Zverev rallied from a set and a break down to defeat Serbian Filip Krajinovic 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 after two hours and minutes to make the semi-finals in Hamburg.
"The crowd helped me. The crowd gave me energy. The crowd got me through that one," Zverev said.
Meanwhile, Russia's world number 78 Andrey Rublev recorded the biggest win of his career by knocking out top seed and two-time Roland Garros runner-up Dominic Thiem 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/5).
It was only the 21-year-old's second Top 10 win, following on from his victory over then ninth-ranked Grigor Dimitrov at the 2017 US Open.
"In my opinion, he is the best player on clay after Rafa (Nadal)," Rublev told atptour.com.
"So, of course to have a match like this is something special and for sure I hope that it will give me the confidence and I will keep working and keep improving."
Wimbledon champion and world number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next month's US Open hardcourt tuneup event in Montreal, saying he needs more rest after capturing his 16th Grand Slam singles crown.
The 32-year-old Serbian, who outlasted Roger Federer in an epic All-England Club final earlier this month, was joined by Argentina's 12th-ranked Juan Martin Del Potro in pulling out of the ATP Masters Canada tournament.
"I'm sorry to announce that I decided to pull out of Rogers Cup," Djokovic said in a statement released by Tennis Canada. "With the support of my team, I have decided to give my body longer rest and recovery time before coming back again to play.
"I love Canada and I have many friends there that always make me feel like I'm at home and I'm looking forward to coming back again to play in front of all of you in Montreal."
Djokovic's withdrawal means Spanish star Rafael Nadal, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, will be the top seed in Montreal when main draw begins August 5. Nadal has captured the Canadian crown four times, most recently last year by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
Djokovic has won the Canadian event that alternates between Toronto and Montreal four times, twice in each city -- Toronto in 2012 and 2016 and Montreal in 2007 and 2011.
He was ousted last year in Toronto by Greek star Tsitsipas in the third round.
"We would have loved for Djokovic to have the chance to be crowned champion for a third time in Montreal, but we understand his decision and we wish him a quick return for the rest of the season," Montreal tournament director Eugene Lapierre said.
Del Potro was injured last month at Queen's and underwent right knee patella surgery and is undergoing rehabilitation for the setback.
"In del Potro's case, we wish him a speedy recovery, he who has experienced his share of injuries in the past few years," Lapierre said. "We look forward to seeing him back on court in the near future."
World number three Federer said after his Wimbledon final loss that he too intended to skip Montreal.
Frenchman Richard Gasquet and Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan will take the two available spots in the Montreal main draw as a result of the withdrawals by Djokovic and Del Potro.
Recent Comments