Challenges Faced by Grigor Dimitrov: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Grigor Dimitrov faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Grigor Dimitrov is a Bulgarian professional tennis player, achieving a career-high ranking of world No. 3, the highest for any Bulgarian player. His most significant victory came at the 2017 ATP Finals. Dimitrov has secured nine ATP Tour singles titles during his career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2008: Grand Slam Debut at Wimbledon

In 2008, Grigor Dimitrov made his Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon as the juniors champion. He retired due to a knee injury during his first-round match against Igor Kunitsyn.

2012: Wimbledon and Swedish Open

In 2012, Dimitrov won his first-round match against Kevin Anderson at Wimbledon but retired in the second round due to an injury. He then reached the semi-finals of the Swedish Open.

2014: Brisbane International and Kooyong Exhibition

In 2014, Dimitrov participated in the Brisbane International and the exhibition tournament in Kooyong, Australia, but he failed to take a single victory in Kooyong.

2015: Dimitrov's Performance in 2015

In 2015, Grigor Dimitrov participated in the Davis Cup against Luxembourg, winning all his matches. He reached the third round in Washington, lost to Jack Sock in the second round at the Rogers Cup, and was eliminated in the third round by Andy Murray at the Cincinnati Masters. He lost in the second round of the US Open to Mikhail Kukushkin.

2016: Dimitrov's Serve and Double Faults in 2017

In 2017, Dimitrov had a significant issue with double faults, making 254 of them, about 40 more than in 2016, although he also had his best season so far.

2017: Dimitrov's Serve and Double Faults in 2017

In 2017, Dimitrov had a significant issue with double faults, making 254 of them, about 40 more than in 2016, although he also had his best season so far.

2018: Dimitrov's Performance in Toronto Masters and Cincinnati Masters 2018

In 2018, Grigor Dimitrov reached the quarterfinals at the Toronto Masters, losing to Kevin Anderson. He failed to defend his title in Cincinnati, losing to Novak Djokovic. His ranking dropped to world No. 8, and he faced a first-round elimination at the US Open.

2018: Dimitrov's Performance in Brisbane and Australian Open 2018

In 2018, Grigor Dimitrov started his season in Brisbane as the defending champion but was eliminated in the semi-finals by Nick Kyrgios. He reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, where he lost to Kyle Edmund. He withdrew from the Sofia Open due to a shoulder injury.

2019: Dimitrov's Performance in Brisbane and Australian Open 2019

In 2019, Grigor Dimitrov started his campaign in Brisbane, losing to Kei Nishikori in the quarterfinals. In January, he reached the last 16 of the Australian Open but was knocked out by Frances Tiafoe.

2020: Dimitrov Skips 2020 Tokyo Olympics

In 2020, Dimitrov skipped the Tokyo Olympics and registered for the ATP 250 tournament in Atlanta, but withdrew due to not meeting minimal qualification requirements related to Davis Cup participation.

September 2021: Dimitrov drops out of top 25 after US Open

On September 13, 2021, Grigor Dimitrov dropped out of the top 25, falling to No. 29 in the rankings, because he could not defend his points from the 2019 US Open semifinal, following a foot injury that forced him to retire in the second round of the US Open.

April 2023: Dimitrov drops out of top 30

On April 17, 2023, Grigor Dimitrov dropped outside of the top 30 in the rankings, being unable to defend his semifinal points from the previous year after the Monte-Carlo Masters.

2023: Dimitrov retires at BNP Paribas Open 2023

In 2023, at the BNP Paribas Open, Grigor Dimitrov retired in the second round due to a right-knee injury. At Miami, he won his second round match against Jan-Lennard Struff.

2024: Dimitrov's Performance at Indian Wells and Miami Open 2024

In 2024, at Indian Wells, Dimitrov played a marathon match against Gaël Monfils, battling a thumb injury, to reach the round of 16. At the Miami Open in 2024, where he was defending runner-up points, Dimitrov reached the quarterfinals and then the semifinals, ultimately losing to Novak Djokovic. His ranking dropped to world No. 18 as he couldn't defend his finalist points.

2025: Longest Active Grand Slam Streak Ended

As of the 2025 Wimbledon, Dimitrov held the longest active streak and fifth-longest all-time streak of consecutive Grand Slam appearances at 58, however, the streak ended when he withdrew from the US Open.