Lazarov’s ATP Cup Stunner: ‘I Didn’t Even Know What Time It Was Anymore’

Alexandar Lazarov walked into Ken Rosewall Arena Friday evening without a tour-level or ATP Challenger Tour doubles victory. Even though he had former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov on his side of the court for their deciding doubles match against Great Britain, the 22-year-old wasn’t the most confident.

“My first thoughts about the match were just to go out there and not shame myself, not to put him in a bad spot under the spotlight. That was my intention,” Lazarov said. “I didn’t think we could win.”

Not only did the Bulgarians win to spring a big upset on the first day of the ATP Cup, but Lazarov played a key role in his win with Dimitrov against Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury. As the deciding match went into a Match Tie-break, Lazarov showed no fear of rushing the net against two very accomplished and experienced net players. He clinched the match with an inside-in forehand winner that whizzed past Murray.

“I was trying to be as composed as possible because I knew that if I gave them many chances, they were going to take them. I was just focussed on hitting the shot no matter what happens or who stays on the other side,” Lazarov said. “I just wanted to hit a good volley and if they make the point, they make it. Those guys are top level and Jamie has even won Grand Slams. I’ve been watching these guys on TV, and just to play them is amazing, let alone beat them. I’ll take that as an accomplishment of all the hard work I’ve put in. It’s paying off.”

To add another element to the equation for Lazarov was the time of the match. It started after midnight and ended at 2:46am, with the rest of the Bulgarian team storming the court from the Team Zone.

“It was crazy. At a certain point I didn’t even know what time it was anymore,” Lazarov said. “But I’m grateful for all the people that stayed so late because it’s not easy to be on the court all day and watch and support. It was amazing, really.”

After leaving Ken Rosewall Arena, the Bulgarians celebrated by dancing around together as they listened to music. Understandably, there were plenty of people who rushed to message Lazarov notes of congratulations on his efforts.

“I lost count, to be honest,” Lazarov said of the number of texts he got. “I unfortunately am not able to respond to all of them, but I’ll try to get back to the people somehow.”

What people who watched the thrilling upset might not realise is that Dimitrov and Lazarov had never competed together. Lazarov was thankful to have a player with Dimitrov’s experience on his side to help him through the pressure moments.

“It’s unbelievable… Just to be able to learn from such a player, it’s amazing,” Lazarov said. “He’s one of the most professional guys I’ve ever seen on Tour and it’s very easy to see and to know what you have to work on.”

This was the biggest stage Lazarov has competed on, and not only did he take advantage of it, but he did so for all of Bulgaria.

“I’m still trying [to take it in]. It’s been unbelievable feedback from all the people in my country and it’s just amazing to see how good we get along and we just have fun. It’s amazing,” Lazarov said. “The job is not done, we still have a few more matches. So we’ll try to do our best and hopefully tomorrow we’re going to perform well again and get another win.”

This story could have easily been one of a near upset that fell short. But Dimitrov and Lazarov played daring tennis from down 7/9 in the Match Tie-break to earn their Cinderella moment, and put the rest of the ATP Cup teams on notice.

“I think we showed that the match is not over until the ref says it’s over because at 7/9, most of the time people say they did good and they don’t really try,” Lazarov said. “But we did until the end and sometimes you make it, sometimes you don’t. But the moral of the story is to just never give up and play until the last point. That’s all I want people to remember, because it wouldn’t be possible if we weren’t fighting until the end.”