WATCH: Stephens interviews Dimitrov on Tennis Channel



Who knew that Sloane Stephens and Grigor Dimitrov would end up as two of the biggest champions of 2017?

Back in March, Dimitrov talked about his great offseason in 2016, and his title win in Bulgaria, which he said was “one of the most spectacular wins” for him. Little did he know what was in store for him this season. He started off the year with a title in Brisbane as well, before a mid-season slump.

Stephens, in full interviewer mode for the Tennis Channel, asked Dimitrov a lot about his family—who he took on an African safari in 2016. She also had some key questions about his beard.

A few months after this fateful interview, Dimitrov would win Cincinnati for his first career ATP Masters crown. Last week, he finished off his season by storming through all five of his matches in London to win the ATP Finals.

Stephens went from Tennis Channel reporter to US Open champion in less than six months. Returning to the tour in July after a 10-month foot injury hiatus, she reached the semifinals of Toronto and Cincinnati before winning her maiden Slam in New York.