Novak Djokovic’s charitable work since winning Olympic gold has continued after his upcoming exhibition match with Grigor Dimitrov sold out within minutes. The two will go head-to-head at the Arena Sofia in Bulgaria on September 17, with the venue able to hold 11,00 spectators.
And there is a poignant reason behind the clash, which will come just over a week after the conclusion of the US Open in New York.
All funds raised will go to the Grigor Dimitrov Foundation, which was set up by the player to help underprivileged children in his home country.
All tickets were snapped up less than 10 minutes after going on sale, underlining the global appeal that the 24-time Grand Slam champion carries. Djokovic has only competed in Bulgaria on one occasion and has never played an ATP match there.
Although the result will be considered academic given the cause, Djokovic will start as clear favourite. He boasts a 13-1 professional record against the 33-year-old, and hhe is currently riding the crest of a wave following his success this summer.
This month, Djokovic finally landed the one title missing from his illustrious career, winning Olympic gold in Paris. He beat Carlos Alcaraz in an intense final, gaining revenge for his Wimbledon defeat to the Spaniard in July.
That success was followed by a heartwarming gesture from the 24-time Grand Slam champion. According to Serbian outlet Kurir, the 37-year-old will give away the £172,000 awarded to him by his country’s authorities for winning gold.
Djokovic is said to be donating his winnings to charitable causes and ‘those who need it most’. Although it has not yet been specified who will benefit from the money.
Like Dimitrov, he has his own foundation, set up to help develop early childhood education projects in Serbia. The organisation gives grants to educational initiatives with a goal to help children.
The last meeting between the pair came during the 2023 Paris Masters when Djokovic prevailed 6-4, 6-3. Dimitrov’s only win over his rival came 11 years ago at the 2013 Madrid Open, when he came through 7-6, 6-7, 6-3.
Djokovic is currently taking time out following his exploits in France. And after withdrawing from the Canadian Open, he’s set to head to Flushing Meadows without any pre-tournament preparation on a hard court surface.
