Dimitrov, Coric ride their own paths, and camels in Marrakech

When in Marrakech, go for a camel ride... right?

That's exactly what a group of ATP players competing in the Grand Prix Hassan II did ahead of the ATP World Tour 250 event this week.

Two of the lucky guys who enjoyed the scenic ride were top-seeded Grigor Dimitrov and 2016 finalist Borna Coric. They've both also been on a similarly slow ride out of the shadows of two superstars: Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Dimitrov, who reached his second-career Grand Slam semifinal at this year’s Australian Open, has long been called “Baby Fed,” with strokes that look similar to the 18-time major champion’s. Perhaps the magnifying glass through which fans looked at the Bulgarian was too strong—not just for Dimitrov’s taste.

“I hope people don’t call him Baby Fed so often anymore,” Federer said after beating Dimitrov in Basel in 2013. “At first it’s funny, but it gets annoying.”

After his breakthrough, Dimitrov’s results faltered. After reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon in 2014, propelling him to a career-high ranking of world No. 8, the Bulgarian’s success stalled. He fell as low as No. 40 in the rankings, and didn’t bounce back until the middle of last season.

Now, under the tutelage of Dani Vallverdu, Dimitrov is back on track, nearing the Top 10 once again at No. 12. In Melbourne, he pushed 14-time major titlist Rafael Nadal to five sets in a semifinal thriller.

“I just don't want to put my head down for a second right now, especially when I'm feeling good,” Dimitrov said after the loss. “I'm competing great. Physically, I'm getting there.”

Coric, however, has fallen behind after stunning Nadal in Basel in 2014 and reaching No. 33 in the world as an 18-year-old in 2015. But he has since fallen outside of the Top 50, sitting at No. 79.

Coric-Djokovic is another comparison that fans clamored for, but some stars were not too fond of.

“It's far‑fetched, to be quite honest,” Federer said after beating Coric in 2015. “ I hope he's not going to be the next Novak. Don't do that to him.”

“It is true that he reminds me of me, but the media should stop saying that he is my copy or anything like that,” Djokovic said. “Everyone is unique in his own way.”

Both Coric and Dimitrov have a chance to show that this week in Marrakech.