The tennis world is reeling from yet another blow to Grigor Dimitrov, the charismatic Bulgarian star ranked No. 20, who has withdrawn from the upcoming National Bank Open in Toronto, a prestigious Masters 1000 event set to begin on July 27, 2025. This decision follows a devastating injury sustained during his Wimbledon fourth-round match against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, marking the fifth consecutive Grand Slam where Dimitrov has been forced to retire mid-match due to physical setbacks. The announcement, made on July 23, 2025, adds Dimitrov to a growing list of top-20 players—including Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Jack Draper, and Tommy Paul—sidelined for the Canadian tournament, casting a shadow over the event and raising questions about Dimitrov’s path forward as he eyes a return at the US Open.
At Wimbledon, Dimitrov was on the cusp of a monumental upset, leading Sinner 6-3, 7-5, 2-2 in a thrilling Centre Court showdown. The 34-year-old, known for his elegant shot-making and Federer-esque flair, was playing some of the best tennis of his career, serving 14 aces and outmaneuvering the top seed with a blend of net rushes and precise groundstrokes. “He’s been the best player in the world, especially over the last year and a half,” Dimitrov had said of Sinner before the match, acknowledging the Italian’s dominance. But in a cruel twist of fate, Dimitrov’s dream run ended abruptly when he collapsed to the grass after firing an ace to hold serve in the third set, clutching his right pectoral muscle in agony. “Having to withdraw from this match at Wimbledon was one of the most painful moments of my career,” Dimitrov later shared in a heartfelt social media post, accompanied by a photo of him in a hospital bed. “Thank you for the overwhelming wave of love… your messages have genuinely lifted me through these hard times.”
The injury, diagnosed as a partial tear of the pectoralis major muscle, required a brief hospital stay and has forced Dimitrov to pull out of not only Toronto but also the ATP 250 event in Bastad and the Cincinnati Masters. His manager, Georgi Stoimenov, indicated that the recovery timeline could allow a return for the US Open, starting August 24, but the setback is a bitter pill for a player who has endured a litany of injuries in recent years. Since 2024, Dimitrov has retired from matches at Wimbledon (knee), the US Open (physical issues), the Australian Open (groin), and Roland Garros (thigh), making his latest withdrawal a painful continuation of a troubling pattern. “He’s been so unlucky in the past couple of years,” Sinner said after their Wimbledon match, visibly moved as he helped Dimitrov off the court, carrying his bags in a gesture of camaraderie. “He’s an incredible player and a good friend of mine. Seeing him in this way… it’s very tough.”
Dimitrov’s performance at Wimbledon had reignited hopes of a deep Grand Slam run, a feat he hasn’t achieved since reaching the semifinals at the 2014 Wimbledon and 2019 US Open. His commanding play against Sinner showcased his enduring talent, with fans and analysts marveling at his aggressive serve-and-volley tactics and resilience against a player who had dropped just 17 games en route to the fourth round. “Grigor was playing the match of his life,” one fan posted online, capturing the sentiment of many who watched the heartbreaking scene unfold. Despite the physical toll, Dimitrov’s spirit remains unbroken. “Recovery starts now. I’ll see you all soon,” he vowed, signaling his determination to return stronger.
The Toronto withdrawal leaves the Masters 1000 event depleted, with Juncheng Shang and Borna Coric stepping in as beneficiaries, though Shang’s participation is uncertain due to his own absence since the Australian Open. For Dimitrov, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation and mental fortitude. Having trained in London for five weeks before Wimbledon to manage a lingering leg injury, he demonstrated a commitment to injury prevention that had him feeling “pain-free” entering the grass-court major. “I’ve done quite a sufficient amount of work before the tournament began,” he said at the time, exuding optimism. Yet, the physical demands of facing a player of Sinner’s caliber—coupled with the emotional weight of repeated setbacks—have tested even Dimitrov’s renowned resilience.
As the tennis world looks ahead to the US Open, fans are left wondering if Dimitrov can overcome this latest hurdle. His career, marked by a 2017 ATP Finals title and eight major quarterfinals, is a testament to his talent, but injuries have repeatedly derailed his pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam. Sinner, who advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals after Dimitrov’s retirement, expressed the sentiment shared by many: “If there was a chance for him to be in the next round, he would honestly deserve it.” For now, Dimitrov’s journey is one of recovery and hope, with the tennis community rallying behind a player whose heart and skill continue to inspire, even in the face of adversity.
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