Why is Grigor Dimitrov called Baby Fed?

Grigor Dimitrov is a Bulgarian tennis player with the longest active streak of successive Grand Slam participation among male competitors. This remarkable record spanned an impressive total of 56 appearances. He started his professional career in 2008 when he was 17. He registered the record of winning most matches at the Brisbane International with a record of 21-6. He achieved his career-high singles ranking of No. 3 in 2017. His best Grand Slam results include reaching the semifinals of the 2019 US Open, the 2017 Australian Open, and the 2014 Wimbledon.

Notably, Dimitrov became the highest-ranking Bulgarian player ever, underlined by his impressive victory at the prestigious 2017 ATP Finals that solidified his ascent. He has secured nine ATP Tour singles, with a recent victory at the 2024 Brisbane International as of December 2024. He also made the final at the 2024 Miami Open; helping him to enter the top 10 for the first time since November 2018. He made it to his second Miami Open semifinal in 2025 after defeating Francisco Cerundolo in the quarterfinal match.

Why is Grigor Dimitrov called Baby Fed?

Dimitrov's style was so similar to Roger Federer's that he was dubbed "Baby Fed" from the start of his career. Like Federer, he is an attacking player with a one-handed backhand and a wide range of options for every point.

However, Federer's ability to shorten points and eagerness to go to the net makes him stand out. Dimitrov has only defeated Federer once in eight events, that being in the 2019 US Open quarterfinals. With a final score of 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, Dimitrov prevailed in five sets, according to the official US Open website.

According to Tennis Tonic, as with everybody else, Grigor Dimitrov seemed to find that term a little too burdensome, and the former world number three appeared to take offense at being referred to by the name. During the French Open, Dimitrov scolded a fan who said, “Come on, Baby Fed!” He replied, "Do I look like a baby to you?”

Regarding his nickname, Grigor Dimitrov responded as follows in a recent interview with The New York Times:

“Younger players coming up, I think they should never be compared to anybody. I think they should have more air to breathe and a lot more time to find themselves first before anything else. I found that out the hard way.”

After defeating Dimitrov in the 2013 Basel quarterfinals, Federer felt it was time for the Bulgarian's undesirable label to be forgotten.

“I hope people don’t call him Baby Fed so often anymore,” Federer told reporters. “At first it’s funny, but it gets annoying.”

The New York Times was then informed by coach and analyst Darren Cahill that the nickname was derived from a style comparison that was not entirely inaccurate. He explained that he didn't see any harm in the public making comparisons.

Also Read: Grigor Dimitrov Net Worth