Dimitrov, who also talked to Bolavip about Novak Djokovic, has had a big career in tennis. He has been ranked as high as world No. 3, won a Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati and lifted the ATP Finals trophy in 2017, and in this interview with Bolavip, he describes his own route into the sport as a genuinely unusual one.

The Bulgarian also reflects on the mark he has left on tennis fans around the world, explaining why being so emotional has been both a strength and a weakness.

Emotional Dimitrov wears his heart on his sleeve

In the Davis Cup tie against Denmark, Holger Rune drew the loudest cheer of the weekend, which was no surprise given that he had been off the court for 11 months. But even with the tie played on Danish soil, it was Dimitrov who, without a doubt, drew the second-loudest reception, and that support means a great deal to a player who has established himself as a fan favorite around the world, not just in Denmark.

“You know, the reception I get from the fans all over the world means a lot to me. I am a very emotional person and I don’t shy away from it. I have always worn my heart on my sleeve and that is both one of my biggest strengths but also one of my biggest weaknesses,” Dimitrov told Bolavip.

“The reaction from the fans all over the world shows me that I left a mark in people and I think my goal has always been to be a good person. I want to be a better person every day. This has always been in my roots. My mom raised me that way, even before I started playing tennis.”

Dimitrov, who has spoken publicly in the past about the anxiety and panic attacks he has dealt with during his career, says the full story of how he found his way into tennis may eventually end up in print: “I think I have been able to have a very unique path into this sport. One day I will write a book about it. The older I get, the more fascinating I become, also with the crowd and the other players.”

Dimitrov has never been the type to rush out of an interview – quite the opposite, in fact – and he explains that his relationship with the journalists who cover him matters to him: “Even with people like you who work in the media. Throughout the years it has been very special for me to talk to guys like you, no doubt about that.”

Dimitrov: ‘I still have some years left in me’

The Bulgarian turned 35 in May, but he has no plans to retire any time soon, despite the injuries and the fall down the rankings that currently prevent him from entering the biggest tournaments. He says he is grateful simply to still be out there competing at all.

“I am just super grateful about that and I am trying to stay in the present moment, which is the most important thing for me right now. Of course, I still have some years left in me to play, but for me being able to still do what I do and giving myself that chance is huge for me,” he said.

“Of course, I want to do all this for myself, but more than anything I want to do it for everyone else who has stuck with me throughout this time. I want to do it for the crowd and the kids as well,” added Dimitrov, who missed out on the chance to travel to Asia for the big tournaments there, and who will instead play a run of Challenger events in the hope of rebuilding his ranking.

‘Running my own race now’

Dimitrov is no longer thinking about Grand Slam titles or the world No. 1 ranking, but that has not made him any less grateful to still be part of the sport. Instead, he talks about entering his own era and running his own race.

“This is really unique. I am in a unique position. I am very gracious about the position I am in,” Dimitrov explained. “I am truly grateful for it. I am very self-aware of how I am developing and how my body is feeling, but the tournaments and traveling are hard of course. I feel like I am just entering my own era now.”

Winning and losing, he says, no longer carries the weight they once did: “It is so humbling to be a part of tennis still and it gives me the confidence to stay happy, regardless if I win or lose. That comes with maturity and getting old. Tennis has made me the person I am today.”

He is clear that the comparisons which once shaped his career no longer apply, and that the freedom to choose his own schedule is a privilege rather than a compromise: “I cannot emphasize enough that I am running my own race now. I feel like I have the privilege to be more selective with the tournaments I am playing,” Dimitrov concluded.

Dimitrov is currently ranked No. 127 in the world, yet it is only a little over a year since he was two sets up on Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon fourth round before a pectoral muscle injury forced Dimitrov to retire. That defeat was the fifth Grand Slam in a row he had been unable to finish, a run of misfortune almost without parallel in the modern game.

Since returning he has lost far more often than he has won, but he did find a measure of form over the summer, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon as a wild card before going out in a deciding-set tie-break to British wild card Arthur Fery, who went on to reach the semifinals and has since become the British No. 1.

Dimitrov’s comments for Bolavip came as Bulgaria faced Denmark in the Davis Cup, admitting that watching Djokovic fade is difficult to take, even if it is entirely inevitable. The 35-year-old argued that father time catches up with everybody in the end, and no amount of professionalism or preparation can hold it off forever.

Dimitrov also said the process is a natural part of any athlete’s career. The younger generation will keep improving and eventually push you off the throne, he explained, and at some point, the body simply refuses to do what it once did.

Not easy to watch Djokovic struggle, Dimitrov says

Djokovic broke into the top 10 in March 2007 and, apart from a brief spell outside it between November 2017 and July 2018 due to injury, he has been a permanent fixture there ever since. Much of that time was spent as the world No. 1, a position he has held for a record 428 weeks in total, while he also collected 24 Grand Slam titles along the way.

That era is now over. Djokovic dropped out of the top 10 after the US Open and, although he reached the Australian Open final in January, he has not been the dominant force the tennis world had grown used to seeing week after week. Dimitrov says that shift is completely natural, a simple consequence of biology, and that it is still hard to watch.

“The players in today’s tennis are just bigger, stronger, faster, which is just a natural part of the evolution of tennis, but of course it is not easy to see Djokovic getting older, maybe struggling a bit. No matter how strong you are, it is inevitable that it will hit you eventually from a biological point of view,” Dimitrov told Bolavip.

There is more to life than tennis

For years, Djokovic aged like fine wine, but Dimitrov says that spending so long at the top of a professional sport, with everything the job quietly demands away from the court, eventually takes its toll: “Nature calls itself and it is going to happen, and when you have been in a competitive sport for so many years, with traveling, jet lag and all that stuff, it eventually catches up with you.”

Dimitrov also made it clear that seeing life as something larger than tennis matters to him, adding that still being able to live the dream as an older player leaves him feeling spoiled and privileged, and that he is certain Djokovic feels exactly the same way.

“In a way I also feel like it should, you know. There are also other parts to life than tennis. We have just been put in this position, a very privileged place. I feel spoiled and we should feel that way”, Dimitrov concludes the interview with Bolavip.

Now ranked No. 12, Djokovic has still produced high-quality tennis this season, reaching the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semifinals. He then crashed out of the US Open in the first round, beaten in five sets by Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a match lasting four hours and 36 minutes, his first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.

He has played only 21 matches in 2026, winning 14 and losing seven, and has yet to lift a trophy. He also finished 2024 without an ATP title, although Olympic gold in Paris rescued that campaign. If 2026 ends empty-handed, it will be the first year since 2005 in which Djokovic has won nothing at all. Back then he was a teenager breaking into the top 100, and he has won something in every season since.

The US Open is set to begin in just under a month in New York, with fans from around the world descending on the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. As the world’s best players take center stage in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Grigor Dimitrov will be watching from the sidelines for the first time in 15 years.

Dimitrov has withdrawn from the 2025 tournament due to injury. The news was reported by Bulgarian outlet Tenniskafe, which cited Dimitrov’s manager, Georgi Stoimenov, confirming that the 34-year-old will not compete at Flushing Meadows as he continues his recovery.

The Bulgarian star suffered a pectoral injury during his Wimbledon fourth round against Jannik Sinner earlier this month. After taking the first two sets, Dimitrov was forced to retire mid-match at 2-2 in the third, later diagnosed with a torn muscle.

A former semifinalist in New York in 2019, Dimitrov has competed at the US Open 14 times. Dimitrov’s absence ends one of the longest active streaks in men’s tennis—58 consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearances. The run began at the 2011 Australian Open and included every major since, right up to this year’s Wimbledon.

Dimitrov’s injury struggles

This is the latest chapter in what has been a physically punishing stretch for the Bulgarian star. Over the past 12 months, injuries have derailed several of his Slam campaigns. At Wimbledon in 2024, he retired in the fourth round against Daniil Medvedev, and at last year’s US Open, he was forced out mid-match in the quarterfinals against Frances Tiafoe.

That pattern extended into 2025, with early retirements at Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon—making it five consecutive Slams where Dimitrov was unable to finish his matches.

While it’s unclear when Dimitrov will return to the court, his team has indicated that recovery remains the top priority and that he could be fit for the Asian swing, which begins in September. The China Open in Beijing or the Shanghai Masters could mark his return.

In an electrifying encounter, Dimitrov delivered a stellar performance against the world’s No. 1, showcasing his exceptional skillset with a powerful serve that included 14 aces and a 60% success rate in break points. Dimitrov’s relentless play posed a formidable challenge for the top-ranked Italian, who only began to rally in the third set during what was a challenging evening for him in the tournament.

Amidst this competitive atmosphere, Dimitrov thrived in the support of an enthusiastic crowd, captivated by his extraordinary display. His extensive experience on the ATP circuit has cultivated a strong connection with the fans, which was palpable both during the match and after an unexpected pause in play.

As the third set unfolded, with Sinner leading 2-1 against , Dimitrov prepared to serve for what could have been the decisive point. He executed the serve successfully, but a setback occurred, necessitating a request for medical assistance from the official.

Why was Dimitrov forced to retire at Wimbledon?

Grigor Dimitrov was compelled to retire from the match due to a pectoral muscle injury. Despite the injury, Dimitrov initially attempted to persevere, but the pain proved too significant. Seen sharing a moment of uncomfortable laughter while receiving medical attention, Dimitrov informed the tournament officials of his unfortunate predicament, marking a disappointing exit from the prestigious tournament.

After a challenging moment on the court, Sinner spoke to the media, reflecting on the match and commenting on the walkover from his opponent. “I don’t view this as a win at all. He is an incredible player, and I think we all saw that today through his performance. He’s been incredibly unlucky over the past couple of years, but a player of his caliber doesn’t deserve what happened,” Sinner remarked.

Federer’s reaction to Dimitrov’s setback

Tennis legend Roger Federer was among the spectators at the match between Dimitrov and Sinner, adding a touch of star power to the Wimbledon stands. Federer was also present for the crucial clash between Alex De Minaur and Novak Djokovic, who humorously acknowledged Federer’s presence with a lighthearted remark.

During the match, as Dimitrov found himself on his knees, the camera caught Federer’s reaction, which quickly went viral. Known for his typically composed demeanor, Federer appeared visibly upset. This setback at Wimbledon marks the fifth time in two years that the Bulgarian tennis standout has been forced to retire from a Grand Slam. Earlier this year, Dimitrov was unable to complete his runs at both Roland Garros and the Australian Open.

[Watch Jannik Sinner vs Grigor Dimitrov live for FREE in the USA on Fubo]

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has carved through his early rounds without conceding a set—or even a game—and now faces his stiffest test yet in Grigor Dimitrov, who’s matched Sinner’s flawless start with commanding victories of his own.

Sinner’s relentless baseline power and ice-cold court sense will collide with Dimitrov’s tactical brilliance and flair, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown that could redefine momentum in the draw.

When will the Jannik Sinner vs Grigor Dimitrov match be played?

Jannik Sinner plays against Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round of the 2025 Wimbledon this Monday, July 7th. The action will start at 11:20 AM (ET).

Jannik Sinner vs Grigor Dimitrov: Time by State in the USA

ET: 11:20 AM
CT: 10:20 AM
MT: 9:20 AM
PT: 8:20 AM

How to watch Jannik Sinner vs Grigor Dimitrov in the USA

Don’t miss this electrifying 2025 Wimbledon clash between Jannik Sinner and Grigor Dimitrov live on Fubo (free trial). Other options are ESPN, ABC, Tennis Channel, ESPN+.

Grigor Dimitrov has long danced on the edge of greatness, armed with a graceful one-handed backhand and a style that once drew comparisons to Roger Federer. But the Bulgarian has carved out a legacy uniquely his own.

From junior prodigy to ATP Finals champion, his journey has been as stylish as it has been unpredictable. Off the court, he’s just as talked-about—his charm and love life often making as many headlines as his forehands.

Now in his thirties, with over a decade on tour and a résumé filled with wins, rivalries and reinventions, The popular player remains a magnetic figure—equal parts artist and athlete, still writing his tennis story.

How old is Grigor Dimitrov?

Born on May 16, 1991, in Haskovo, Bulgaria, Grigor Dimitrov turned 34 in May 2025. Despite being in his mid-thirties, he continues to compete at a high level on the ATP Tour, showcasing the longevity of his career.

How tall is Grigor Dimitrov?

Grigor Dimitrov stands at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall. His height provides him with a significant advantage on the court, contributing to his powerful serve and reach, which are integral parts of his playing style.

Grigor Dimitrov’s love life

Grigor Dimitrov has had several high-profile relationships. He dated Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova from 2012 to 2015 and was engaged to singer Nicole Scherzinger between 2016 and 2019.

In 2023, he was linked to Romanian actress and model Madalina Ghenea. She was seen supporting him during matches at Wimbledon and the US Open, and they shared moments on social media.

As of April 2025, he has been in a relationship with Mexican actress Eiza González. They were first seen together at the Madrid Open and made their relationship public during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025.

Grigor Dimitrov’s family

Grigor comes from a family with a strong athletic background. His father, Dimitar Dimitrov, is a tennis coach who introduced him to the sport at a young age. His mother, Maria Dimitrova, is a former volleyball player and a physical education teacher.

Who is the coach of Grigor Dimitrov?

Throughout his career, Grigor Dimitrov has worked with several notable coaches. His coaching journey includes partnerships with Peter Lundgren, Patrick Mouratoglou, Roger Rasheed and Franco Davín.

In 2016, he began working with Daniel Vallverdu, who helped him achieve significant success, including winning the ATP Finals in 2017. After parting ways in 2019, he worked with coaches like Christian Groh and Dante Bottini.

In October 2022, he reunited with Vallverdu, and as of 2025, he is coached by both Daniel Vallverdu and Jamie Delgado. Delgado, a former British professional player, brings additional experience and insight to his coaching team.

Grigor Dimitrov’s career highlights

• ATP Finals Champion (2017): Dimitrov’s most defining moment came in November 2017, when he went unbeaten to clinch the Nitto ATP Finals in London. The victory included wins over Dominic Thiem, Pablo Carreño Busta, Jack Sock, and a tense final against David Goffin. This triumph helped him reach a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world and remains the pinnacle of his career.

• First Masters 1000 Title – Cincinnati (2017): Just months before his ATP Finals win, Dimitrov secured his first and only Masters 1000 title at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. He didn’t drop a single set all tournament, defeating Juan Martín del Potro and John Isner en route to the final, where he beat Nick Kyrgios in straight sets. This marked a turning point and silenced critics who had long awaited a big-title breakthrough.

• Three Grand Slam semifinals: Dimitrov’s Slam résumé includes three semifinal appearances. The first came at Wimbledon in 2014, where he upset defending champion Andy Murray in straight sets before falling to Novak Djokovic in four tight sets. In 2017, he played arguably the best match of his life in the Australian Open semis against Rafael Nadal, losing in five gripping sets over nearly five hours. His third semifinal came at the 2019 US Open, where he stunned Roger Federer in a five-set comeback, solidifying his reputation as a big-match player.

• Consistent ATP Tour success: Over the years, Dimitrov has collected nine ATP singles titles and reached 18 finals, including wins on all surfaces. His versatile game—built on smooth footwork, a silky one-handed backhand, and clever court craft—has allowed him to adapt and stay relevant in a highly competitive era. He has defeated all members of the “Big Four” (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray) at least once.

• Longevity and earnings: As of 2025, Dimitrov has amassed over $30 million in career prize money and continues to be a regular presence in the ATP Top 20. With over 470 match wins and a decade and a half on tour, he’s become the most successful Bulgarian tennis player in history and a respected veteran figure among his peers.

Amid widespread power outages in Spain and two other European countries, citizens are now waiting to see how the situation unfolds domestically. In Madrid, energy services have been disrupted, and authorities are working urgently to restore power across the city.

Against this backdrop, the Madrid Open has announced updates regarding Monday’s matches. Grigor Dimitrov was close to securing a victory when play was suspended during the final set. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who were scheduled to compete Monday, must now wait for the tournament organizers to finalize a plan to resume play.

According to the tournament’s official social media accounts, Monday’s sessions have been suspended, with further updates expected throughout the day. “For reasons beyond the control of the organization and in order to guarantee general safety, the nationwide power cut experienced in Spain on Monday, 28 April, has forced the cancellation of both the day and night sessions at the Mutua Madrid Open,” organizers wrote.

Madrid Open suspends matches

The last match completed at the Madrid Open featured Dimitrov defeating Jacob Fearnley. Following that, several Round of 32 matches were scheduled, including Tsitsipas vs. Lorenzo Musetti, set for 12 p.m. ET.

Sabalenka was also scheduled to face Peyton Stearns in a Round of 16 matchup at 12 p.m. ET, while Iga Swiatek was set to take on Diana Shnaider earlier this morning before the disruption occurred. With multiple matches now suspended, tournament officials must seek alternatives to reschedule, as the outage impacted much of the country.

Dimitrov was leading 1-0 and playing the final point of the match when the incident occurred. The Bulgarian, showcasing some of his best tennis in Madrid, appeared poised to continue his resurgence on the ATP Tour and secure a place in the fourth round.

Coming off a convincing 6-3, 6-4 win over Chile’s Nicolas Jarry in the second round, Dimitrov looked sharp and ready for the next challenge against the British player. However, the unforeseen disruption in Madrid has now thrown his tournament hopes into uncertainty.

What happened at the Madrid Open?

Dimitrov was on the verge of closing out the final set when a major power outage struck Madrid, forcing tournament organizers to suspend play. Several other matches were also halted due to the disruption, with officials closely monitoring the situation before making further decisions.

Reports indicated that the blackout extended beyond Madrid, affecting parts of Spain, Portugal, and France. With power still not fully restored three hours later, organizers have yet to confirm when play will resume. If the situation persists, the tournament may need to explore alternative plans to complete the remaining matches.

Why was Dimitrov’s match suspended?

Many fans questioned why the match between Dimitrov and Fearnley couldn’t continue, especially since the stadium is open-air and daylight was still available. Some argued that with line judges present, play could have resumed without issue.

However, the suspension was due to a critical camera obstructing the players’ line of sight, making it impossible to continue under official rules. As of now, Madrid Open officials have not issued an update regarding the status of Dimitrov’s match or the other fixtures scheduled for Monday.

With the retirements of Roger Federer, in 2022, and Rafael Nadal, in 2024, tennis lost two of their biggest living legends. However, Novak Djokovic, 37, is still competing to extend his all-time record of 24 Grand Slams wins —tied with Margaret Court—. Despite this, the debate of who is the greatest player of all time is still going strong, with different arguments thrown to support one of the Big 3 members.

In that sense, one of tennis’ most solid current stars, Grigor Dimitrov, revealed who his GOAT is. The Bulgarian, former World No. 3 and winner of nine ATP singles titles, including the 2017 ATP Finals, revealed that Federer was the GOAT of tennis, despite his close relationship with Djokovic.

“The guy that I always looked up to has always been Roger [Federer],” he told the ATP Tour social media page, after they asked him “who is the GOAT” in a quick Q&A session in 2024. “He is the pioneer of the game itself. He’s set a very high standard and [he is an] example to me, so…” he added.

Certainly, tennis fans would remember that when the Bulgarian first started playing on the ATP Tour he was compared with Federer, even gaining the nickname of “Baby Fed.” Part of the reason was his one-handed backhand and his grip, it was also his variety of plays and slick footwork on the court.

While Dimitrov hasn’t achieved success in majors, with his best results being semi-finals at the 2017 Australian Open (l. to Nadal), 2014 Wimbledon (l. to Djokovic) and 2019 US Open (l. to Daniil Medvedev), he is one of the most successful Bulgarian players. Apart from winning the Masters 1000 of Cincinnati in 2017, he also is one of the only nine active male players to reach the quarter-finals in all Masters events.

Dimitrov on early Federer’s comparisons: ‘I’m way past that’

While Dimitrov doesn’t deny his admiration for Federer, the Bulgarian star also opened up about how it felt being compared with the Swiss. “It was flattering,” he told The Guardian in May 2024. “At the same time, I’m really way past that.”

He explained, “Even back in the day, I thought it was funny but at some point I was like: ‘I would like to establish myself as the tennis player I am, as the person I am.’ I think that was one of my goals to keep on going with it. To be: ‘OK, this is my day, this is my time to establish myself as this player that has nothing to do with anybody else.’ I think I did a great job with that and, honestly, I was very proud of that part in particular because I really wanted to have my own name.”

While playing against Djokovic, Federer and Nadal wasn’t easy, Dimitrov managed to get at least a win against all three. “I feel like I’ve been able to learn a lot from them, the way they have been handling not only pressure but themselves throughout, on a daily basis, which I think is one of the most difficult things.”

A difficult start of the 2025 season for Dimitrov

After an impressive 2024, in which he returned to the Top 10, reached two Masters 1000 finals and won his first title in seven years in Brisbane, he started the 2025 season with a setback after having to retire from the Australian Open and Brisbane due to a hip injury.

[Watch Grigor Dimitrov vs Frances Tiafoe online for FREE in the US on Fubo]

The excitement among the local crowd for a homegrown champion in the 2024 US Open remains strong, with Frances Tiafoe leading the charge. Tiafoe’s impressive victory over Alexei Popyrin in the fourth round, a player who had earlier eliminated Novak Djokovic, has only fueled the hopes of American tennis fans eager to see him go all the way.

However, Tiafoe faces a formidable challenge in the quarterfinals against Grigor Dimitrov, who has been in excellent form, particularly in his dominant win over Andrey Rublev in the previous round. While Dimitrov enters the match as the favorite, Tiafoe will have the advantage of a supportive home crowd as he aims to secure a spot in the tournament’s final four.

When will the Grigor Dimitrov vs Frances Tiafoe match be played?

Grigor Dimitrov is set to take on Frances Tiafoe in the 2024 US Open quarterfinals this Tuesday, September 3rd, with the match scheduled to begin at 8:15 PM (ET).

Grigor Dimitrov vs Frances Tiafoe: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:15 PM
CT: 7:15 PM
MT: 6:15 PM
PT: 5:15 PM

How to watch Grigor Dimitrov vs Frances Tiafoe in the USA

Don’t miss the electrifying 2024 US Open clash between Grigor Dimitrov and Frances Tiafoe, streaming live on Fubo (free trial). For comprehensive coverage, tune in to ABC and ESPN, or stream the action on Sling TV.

[Watch Grigor Dimitrov vs Jannik Sinner online for FREE in the US on Fubo]

The quarterfinals of the French Open promise to be thrilling, with three main contenders vying for the championship title. Among these favorites is undoubtedly Jannik Sinner, who has showcased a remarkable level of tennis and aims to culminate it with a title.

To achieve this, the Italian must triumph in his next three matches, which are, of course, the most challenging. His opponent in this instance is Dimitrov, who recently defeated the formidable Hurkacz. Despite facing a tougher challenge now, Dimitrov is eager to spring another surprise, akin to his victory over the Pole.

When will the Grigor Dimitrov vs Jannik Sinner match be played?

The quarterfinal match of the 2024 French Open between Grigor Dimitrov and Jannik Sinner will take place this Tuesday, June 4 at 8:45 AM (ET).

Grigor Dimitrov vs Jannik Sinner: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:45 AM
CT: 7:45 AM
MT: 6:45 AM
PT: 5:45 AM

How to watch Grigor Dimitrov vs Jannik Sinner in the USA

You can watch this match corresponding to the quarterfinals of the 2024 French Open between Grigor Dimitrov and Jannik Sinner can be watched on Fubo (free trial). Other options: Tennis Channel.