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 who achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 3, the highest for any Bulgarian player. He won the ATP Finals in 2017, marking the biggest title of his career. Dimitrov has secured nine ATP Tour singles titles, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the world of professional tennis.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2007: Orange Bowl U18 Finalist and US Open Doubles Final

In 2007, Grigor Dimitrov was a finalist at the Orange Bowl U18 boys singles losing to Ričardas Berankis. He also reached the US Open doubles final with Vasek Pospisil, where they lost to Jonathan Eysseric and Jérôme Inzerillo.

2008: Wimbledon Grand Slam Debut and Knee Injury

In 2008, Grigor Dimitrov made his Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon as the junior champion, winning the first set against Igor Kunitsyn. However, he suffered a knee injury and had to retire from the match after losing ten consecutive games.

2010: Worst Grass-Court Season Since 2010

In 2010, Grigor Dimitrov had his worst grass-court season since then, recording early losses at the Queen's Club and Wimbledon.

2012: Wimbledon and Swedish Open Performances

In 2012, Grigor Dimitrov won his first-round match at Wimbledon against Kevin Anderson but retired in the second round due to an injury. He then reached the Swedish Open semifinal but lost to David Ferrer. Additionally, he competed in the Suisse Open Gstaad, reaching another semifinal but lost to Thomaz Bellucci.

2012: Lowest Ranking Since 2012

In 2012, Grigor Dimitrov's ranking deteriorated to No. 49, the lowest since then.

2014: Brisbane International and Kooyong Exhibition

In 2014, Grigor Dimitrov started the season ranked 23rd and participated in the Brisbane International, where he lost to Marin Čilić in the second round. He also competed in the Kooyong exhibition, failing to secure a victory and ultimately withdrawing before the seventh-place playoff.

2017: Problem with Double Faults

In 2017, Grigor Dimitrov had a problem with double faults, making 254 of them, which was around 40 more than in 2016, despite it being his best season so far.

2018: Toronto Masters Quarterfinals and Cincinnati Masters Title Defense Failure

In 2018, Grigor Dimitrov reached the quarterfinals at the Toronto Masters and failed to defend his Masters title in Cincinnati. Consequently, his ranking dropped to world No. 8.

2018: Brisbane and Australian Open Performances and Shoulder Injury

In 2018, Grigor Dimitrov started the season in Brisbane, reaching the semi-finals. He then reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. He withdrew from the Sofia Open due to a shoulder injury.

May 2019: Split with Daniel Vallverdu

On May 7, 2019, Grigor Dimitrov declared that he and Daniel Vallverdu had parted ways after a string of unsuccessful tournament participations.

2019: US Open Semifinal

In 2019, Dimitrov could not defend his points from the US Open semifinal.

September 2021: Ranking drop to No. 29

On September 13, 2021, Dimitrov dropped out of the top 25, since he could not defend his points from the 2019 US Open semifinal, to No. 29.

April 2023: Ranking Drop in April 2023

On April 17, 2023, Grigor Dimitrov dropped outside of the top 30 in the rankings, as he was unable to defend his semifinal points from the previous year.

2023: 2023 BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open

In 2023, at the BNP Paribas Open, Grigor Dimitrov lost in the second round to Jason Kubler after retiring with a right-knee injury. At the Miami Open, he won his second-round match against Jan-Lennard Struff.