Tennis news: A look back at Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov’s five consecutive Grand Slam retirements

Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov has always been one of the most talented and stylish players on the circuit, known for his graceful footwork, strong forehand, and smooth backhand.

A firm fan favourite, many believed he would win a Grand Slam one day and he has, by all accounts, come close on a couple of occasions.

However, the story of his career has taken a difficult turn lately as Dimitrov has been forced to retire due to injury in each of his last five Grand Slam tournaments – an extremely rare event for a top-level player and one that has left fans heartbroken.

Here, Sports News Blitz tennis writer Abhiram Varanasi takes a closer look at how this painful streak has unfolded.

Wimbledon – 2024, fourth round

Dimitrov’s first retirement came at Wimbledon back in 2024.

He was facing Daniil Medvedev in a big fourth-round match that many people were looking forward to.

However, early in the first set, Dimitrov pulled up in pain, having suffered a groin injury and consequently being unable to move properly.

After briefly trying to continue, the Bulgarian had to stop playing, leading to a sad and quiet end to a match that had barely started.

READ MORE: Wimbledon news: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and the top men’s singles contenders at SW19

US Open – 2024, quarter-finals

Later that same year, Dimitrov competed at the US Open and was looking strong again.

He reached the quarter-finals, where he met Frances Tiafoe in a hard-fought match played under tough conditions.

The weather was hot and both players were feeling the pressure.

Dimitrov pushed himself bravely, but his body began to give out as he suffered from cramps, fatigue, and constricted movement.

Eventually, in the fourth set, Dimitrov made the difficult decision to retire from a tournament in which he had been playing quite well.

Australian Open – 2025, first round

At the start of 2025, the Bulgarian star travelled Down Under for the Australian Open.

Fans hoped that he would finally have a healthy run at a Major, but an unfortunate hip injury in the first round put paid to that.

Dimitrov had barely played a full set when he signalled to the umpire that he could not go on, and it was all over before it had really begun.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Wimbledon news: Rafael Nadal vs Dustin Brown and the most shocking upsets in SW19 history

French Open – 2025, first round

By the time the French Open came around, Dimitrov seemed to be in better shape.

In Paris, he found himself playing against a young American player, Ethan Quinn, and leading the match.

Dimitrov won the first two sets and was looking in complete control when something went wrong in the third set.

The Bulgarian felt pain in his thigh and started to slow down.

He dropped the set and took a subsequent medical timeout before deciding, once again, to retire on account of his body.

Wimbledon – 2025, fourth round

The most recent chapter in Dimitrov’s injury struggles came at this year’s Wimbledon.

Playing against top-seed Jannik Sinner, the 19th-seed won the first two sets and looked to be on his way to a big win.

Then, early in the third set, he suddenly reached for his chest.

Dimitrov had suffered a pectoral muscle injury and, despite attempting to keep going, could not serve or hit properly.

He was forced to retire from the match as a result and walked off the court in tears as the crowd gave him a standing ovation – a powerful moment, filled with emotion and heartbreak.

READ NEXT: Wimbledon news: A closer look at quarter-finalist Cameron Norrie’s tennis journey

What’s the issue?

Retiring from five-straight Grand Slam matches is something quite possibly no player has ever done before.

It is not just about bad luck anymore; it is a sign that Dimitrov’s body is having trouble keeping up with the demands of professional tennis.

After all, each injury has been different.

First it was his groin, then his hip, then his thigh, and most recently his chest.

But the result has been the same every time: he cannot finish the match, no matter how well he started.

The situation is especially hard to stomach because Dimitrov clearly still has the skills and passion to compete at the highest level.

He has worked hard, stayed in shape, and kept his ranking high.

However, when your body keeps breaking down, it is hard to stay confident, let alone win anything.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Tennis news: How the sport is growing in popularity, from club memberships to local parks

Potential comeback

Dimitrov is now in his mid-thirties.

That is not young in the tennis world, but it is not necessarily the end either as many players have found ways to keep going at an advanced age by adjusting their training, choosing their tournaments carefully, and focusing on staying healthy instead of chasing every title.

The Bulgarian might need to take an extended break, give his body time to fully recover, and think about what comes next.

Some fans fear he may retire while others believe he still has more to give.

One thing is for sure, though: the tennis world does not want to see him go out like this.

He deserves better, having been a graceful and entertaining player for over a decade.

Indeed, despite never winning a Grand Slam, his legacy as a fighter and a fan favourite is already secure.

For now, we can only wait and hope that his next match ends with a handshake at the net rather than an injury and a painful walk-off.

MORE FROM ABHIRAM VARANASI: Wimbledon 2025: Sports News Blitz’s beginners guide to tennis