Grigor Dimitrov says the prospect of playing Roger Federer in the US Open quarter-finals is exciting after a difficult year.
Since winning the ATP Finals in 2017, Dimitrov has struggled badly to reproduce that form.
In 2019, the Bulgarian has been hampered by injury and heading into the US Open had made just one quarter-final.
His form leading into the tournament was dismal with five first-round exits in six events.
But the former world No 3 has looked much more like his old self in the first week at Flushing Meadows.
And Dimitrov earned the biggest win over the season as he knocked out Australian Alex de Minaur 7-5 6-3 6-4.
The reward for his run is a quarter-final against Federer on Tuesday, most likely on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Dimitrov has never beaten Federer in their seven matches but the 28-year-old says he is just elated to have a chance to play in such a match.
“I think it’s an opportunity to play out on that court. No more than that, of course,” he said.
“Given the history of me and Roger, how we’ve played the past years, nothing had favoured me. But it is what it is right now.
“I’m very appreciative of where I’m at right now. I’m very appreciative of what I’ve gone through and what I’m going through. I’m exactly where I should be.
“Again, I could never predict, after a summer like, that beginning of the year like that, that I’m going to be out here. But I’m here.
“Excitement? Yes. So was every other feeling you could possibly think. But it’s one of the most important things, not to look too far ahead.
“Enjoy the moment for a second, appreciate the situation, and we move on.
“Hopefully in a couple of days I’ll be sitting here again.”