MADRID, September 10, 2024
A look at the ATP world rankings reveals that there aren’t many top players from Bulgaria. While Grigor Dimitrov currently holds the No. 10 spot, the next prominent Bulgarian player is Adrian Andreev, ranked 203rd. However, the country has promising young talent in Iliyan Radulov, a 19-year-old from Plovdiv. He is a former No. 4 in the junior world rankings and reached the quarterfinals at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2023.
Radulov is now working to establish himself on the professional circuit. He claimed his first title at the ITF World Tennis Tour M15 tournament in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria, and is currently ranked 766th in the ATP rankings. Recently, at the Copa Alameda in Madrid, he made it to the semifinals but was narrowly defeated by eventual champion Michiel de Krom from the Netherlands.
We caught up with Radulov in the Spanish capital for an interview.
Tennis TourTalk: You’re a young player. How would you describe your own game style?
Iliyan Radulov: I would describe myself as an aggressive baseliner. There is still a lot of room for improvements in my game. This is the most important thing for me.
Can you tell us a bit about your practice situation. Where are you based?
I am here with a coach. I was based in my hometown Plovdiv in Bulgaria but one year ago I moved to the TEC-Tennis Empowerment Center in Barcelona. My family can’t afford to travel so much. Here in Spain I can play more tournaments than in Bulgaria, where we only have two Challengers and a couple of Futures. At home I was practicing with my sister all day, which makes it hard to become a professional tennis players (laughs). Here I am able to practice with very good players.
Do you receive some support from the Bulgarian Tennis Federation?
It’s like nothing and you can’t compare it with other countries.
Is it your first time here in the Club de Tenis Alameda?
Yes.
What are your impressions and about tournaments in Spain in general?
Every club in Spain is amazing. I am from a small club with only three courts (laughs).
Have you already learned to speak Spanish?
I speak a little bit but I have started to study with a teacher.
You were a top-ranked junior at World No. 4. What are the main challenges coming from junior’s to senior’s level?
It’s tougher at the Pro Circuit. You have to fight for every point and every match is tough. You need to be very solid and mentally strong.
Last year you won your first title on the Pro Circuit on home soil. How was the experience?
It was amazing. I had a lot of support from friends and family. I enjoyed it a lot.
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Next, you will be part of the Bulgarian Davis Cup team…
I traveled with the team before but only as hitting partner but now it will be the first time that I will be part of the squad. I am really excited as the tie is going to take place in my hometown. That’s make it even better. I hope that we can win the tie.
What are your goals?
We don’t think about ranking positions right now. It’s about to improve my game and my coach and I focus on that.
When you’re off the court. What are your hobbies?
I am not that much into football. I watch movies and also like to read a book. When I have time on the tour, I try to visit some of the cities, where the tournaments take place. I also like to spend some time in Barcelona.
Do you have any role models?
Roger Federer has always been my favourite player. I also like Grigor Dimitrov, as he style is pretty similar. And of course, he also Bulgarian. I support him a lot. From the youngsters I like Jannik Sinner the most.
Thank you and all the best.
Interview: Florian Heer
