Dzumhur recalls his victory over Nadal: "I don't want to think about who's on the other side"
The Bosnian, already eliminated from the ATP 250 Buenos Aires, reflects on his career and the moments that have marked him the most, like that victory against Nadal in Miami.
Veteran Damir Dzumhur shared interesting insights during an interview with Lautaro Miranda at the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires. This marked his second consecutive year returning to the tournament, impressed by the atmosphere and conditions of the event. The Bosnian reflected on different moments of his career, from his current position on the circuit to the physical challenges he faces as he navigates the final stage of his professional journey.
The Balkan tennis player also revealed a more personal side, recollecting the severe illness he suffered in 2022, a pivotal event that significantly impacted his life and career. With a mature perspective, Dzumhur discussed his future in tennis, his admiration for veteran players on the circuit, and the goals he still holds dear in this kind of “second career” phase he feels he is experiencing.
Admiration for the veteran rockers
Damir Dzumhur returned to the ATP 250 in Buenos Aires with the tranquility of someone familiar with the tournament and who enjoys the South American schedule. "It's my second consecutive year playing the South American swing. Last year, I really liked the tournament and its organization, so I decided to come back. I like the climate because it's mild and not too hot. In my country, it's winter, and I need the sun," confessed the Bosnian.
At 33 years old, Dzumhur continues to gauge his career based on the rhythm of his body and experience. "I don't see myself perhaps playing at 38, 39, 40, but as long as my body feels good, I will play. It's something I have been working on all my life, and it's tough to let go. I believe I still have three or four years of very good tennis ahead." He also expressed his admiration for other veterans on the circuit: "I take my hat off to players like Stan or Novak. What they are doing is incredible."
His illness and victory over Nadal
His illness in 2022 was a moment that reshaped his life and tennis career. "I could definitely say I have had two careers. The illness was very sudden, and there were no signs. I lost over 10 kilos, spent a long time in the hospital. I missed tennis, the adrenaline, the battles. It was something that propelled me, and my recovery was very quick considering what happened," he recalled.
Dzumhur also reminisced about one of his significant sporting achievements: the victory against Nadal in Miami 2016, although the Spaniard retired in the third set. "It was the first time I stepped onto the court thinking, 'I don't want to think about who is on the other side but just play tennis. I played good tennis and won. That Miami was a turning point. Once you experience that, there's no going back when playing these matches." Later victories would come against Berdych, Zverev, Wawrinka, or Tsitsipas.
In this second stage of his career, Dzumhur takes things slowly. He is not pursuing great feats or impossible dreams; his goal is simple and concrete, to win another ATP title. He knows it won't be easy, and several factors must align for it to happen, but he is prepared to work hard and seize every opportunity the circuit presents.
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