In a devastating blow to tennis fans, Grigor Dimitrov, the 34-year-old Bulgarian star once dubbed “Baby Fed” for his stylistic similarities to Roger Federer, has withdrawn from the 2025 US Open due to a lingering pectoral injury sustained at Wimbledon. The announcement, confirmed by his manager Georgi Stoimenov, marks the end of Dimitrov’s remarkable run of 58 consecutive Grand Slam appearances, a streak that began at the 2011 Australian Open and now concludes as the longest active streak in men’s tennis. “Sometimes the heart wants to keep going… but the universe has a different plan for us,” Dimitrov wrote in an emotional Instagram post, reflecting on the pain of missing the season’s final major. The injury, a partial tear of his right pectoral muscle, has forced him to skip upcoming events in Bastad, Toronto, and Cincinnati, with hopes pinned on a return for the Asian swing in China.
Dimitrov’s Wimbledon campaign was a poignant reminder of his enduring talent and persistent misfortune. Facing world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the fourth round, he dominated with a 6-3, 7-5 lead, unleashing 140 mph serves and masterful net play that recalled Federer’s elegance. “He’s an incredible player, and we all saw this today,” Sinner said, visibly shaken after Dimitrov collapsed in agony at 2-2 in the third set, clutching his chest after a backhand volley. The tearful exit, Dimitrov’s fifth consecutive Grand Slam retirement, left Centre Court in stunned silence, with Federer himself watching from the Royal Box, his expression one of concern and empathy. “Having to withdraw from this match at Wimbledon was one of the most painful moments of my career,” Dimitrov shared, thanking fans for their overwhelming support. The scene, described as “heartbreaking” by commentators, underscored the cruel irony of a career often compared to Federer’s but plagued by physical setbacks.
Once heralded as a potential successor to Federer, Dimitrov’s graceful one-handed backhand and all-court flair earned him the “Baby Fed” moniker early in his career. His 2008 junior Wimbledon and US Open titles, mirroring Federer’s own junior success, fueled expectations of Grand Slam glory. Yet, while Federer amassed 20 majors and never retired from a match, Dimitrov’s career has been defined by near-misses. His three major semifinal runs, including Wimbledon 2014, where he fell to Novak Djokovic, and a five-set thriller against Rafael Nadal at the 2017 Australian Open, showcased his potential. “I kept on believing in the process, kept on working,” Dimitrov said after his 2019 US Open upset over Federer, a 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory that marked his only win in eight meetings against the Swiss legend. That triumph, against an ailing Federer, remains a high point, but Dimitrov’s inability to convert such moments into a major title has drawn parallels to unfulfilled promise.
The 2025 season had promised a resurgence for Dimitrov, ranked No. 21 with 14 wins, including 11 at ATP Masters 1000 events. His Brisbane International title in 2024, his first since the 2017 ATP Finals, hinted at a late-career surge. However, injuries have been a relentless foe, with retirements at the 2025 Australian Open (groin), Roland Garros (leg), and now Wimbledon (pectoral) derailing his momentum. “Recovery starts now. I’ll see you all soon,” he vowed on social media, sharing a photo from a hospital bed. His manager’s optimistic prognosis suggests a possible return by the US Open’s start on August 24, but posts on X indicate Dimitrov will miss the tournament, prioritizing recovery for events like the Shanghai Masters.
Dimitrov’s withdrawal has sparked an outpouring of support, with fans lamenting the end of his Grand Slam streak. “Grigor Dimitrov will miss the US Open after 58 consecutive Major appearances,” one fan posted, calling it a “heartbreaking” end to a historic run. Unlike Federer, whose “ironman” durability saw him avoid retirements, Dimitrov’s physical struggles have defined his narrative, with 12 ATP Tour retirements since 2020. His coach, Jamie Delgado, dismissed speculation that Wimbledon’s roof closure contributed to the injury, noting, “Grigor actually felt his body loosened up a bit more,” but the setback has reignited discussions about his star-crossed career. With a 9-8 head-to-head record against Sinner and a 2024 Miami Facundo Bagnis, Dimitrov’s resilience remains unquestioned, but his body’s fragility has once again robbed him of a chance to emulate Federer’s Wimbledon heroics.
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