The Bulgarian icon has been out of action after tearing his right pectoral muscle in his Wimbledon fourth-round match against Jannik Sinner in July. Dimitrov had been leading the world No 1 6-3, 7-5, 2-2 on Centre Court when the injury compelled him to retire. Four days later, he went through surgery and explained the heartbreaking departure as “one of the most painful moments of my career.”
String of Unfortunate Retirements
Before his recent setback, Dimitrov had already experienced several injury blows. He became the first player in the Open Era to retire mid-match at five consecutive Grand Slams. His battles are withdrawals at the 2025 French Open (while leading 6-2, 6-3, 2-6 against Ethan Quinn), the 2025 Australian Open against Francesco Passaro, and the 2024 US Open quarter-final versus Frances Tiafoe. He also couldn’t complete his 2024 Wimbledon clash with Daniil Medvedev in regard to fitness challenges.
Finding Balance During Recovery
Mirroring his time away, Dimitrov stated that stepping back from tennis offered much-required clarity and rest. “I’m doing very well, taking a step back from tennis really did me good,” he mentioned to L’Equipe. “It was the first time in almost twenty years that I could really be at home for the summer, so I took advantage of these moments. I wasn’t really following what was happening on the tour, I wasn’t trying to stay connected.
“It was important to really let go. I realised that it’s normal to be injured, it’s normal not to play every week. I accepted all of that and I’m just very happy to be back.
“Surprisingly, I was strong. I didn’t see it as a negative, although there were doubts, of course. To say that everything went perfectly would be wrong. But I know how to deal with these things, not just injuries, but also anything mental.”
Paris Masters Return
The former world No 3, who finished runner-up at the 2023 Paris Masters, will resume to the match against world No 56 Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the opening round. It will be their initial career meeting. Dimitrov is also getting ready to compete in doubles along with French veteran Nicolas Mahut, a former world No 1, in what will be the last tournament of Mahut’s career.
Sentimental Doubles Partnership
Talking in regard to his partnership with Mahut, Dimitrov showed deep respect and admiration. “We always wanted to do a few double sessions together throughout the last years, but I was honestly never really able to commit,” he cited to ATPTour.com.
“It was the right time. It was the last tournament for him and it made sense. I have a very sentimental relationship with him. For so many years, we played against each other. We competed more than once on such a big occasion. So it’s safe to say that it’s a good ending for him.”
FAQs:
1. Who is Grigor Dimitrov?
Grigor Dimitrov is a professional tennis player from Bulgaria popular for his playing method and distinctive all-court game.
2. What happened to Grigor Dimitrov at Wimbledon 2025?
Dimitrov suffered a right pectoral muscle tear in his fourth-round match against Jannik Sinner.
