After an epic three-set win, Grigor Dimitrov was wheeled off the court.
Grigor Dimitrov, born in 1991 in Haskovo, Bulgaria, has carved out one of the most consistent and decorated careers in modern tennis.
He rose to international prominence after claiming back-to-back junior Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2008, which earned him the No. 1 junior ranking.
Dimitrov turned pro at 16 and steadily climbed the ATP ranks, ultimately becoming the highest-ranked Bulgarian in history when he reached world No. 3 in November 2017.
That same year, he won the ATP Finals—his biggest title to date—cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
Over the years, Dimitrov has captured nine ATP Tour singles titles and achieved a rare milestone by reaching the quarterfinals at all four Grand Slam events and all Masters 1000 tournaments.
As of 2025, he holds the record for the longest active streak of consecutive Grand Slam appearances at 58, a testament to his durability and drive.
His flair, elegant shot-making, and relentless work ethic have earned him widespread respect, as reflected in his multiple Sportsperson of the Year honors in Bulgaria and the 2024 Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award.
Dimitrov’s Wheelchair Exit at the 2025 Miami Open
On March 26, 2025, during a grueling round-of-16 match at the Miami Open, Grigor Dimitrov pushed his limits—and then some.
Facing Francisco Cerundolo in punishing Florida heat and humidity, Dimitrov fought through nearly three hours of intense tennis, winning a razor-thin three-set battle: 7-6(6), 4-6, 7-6(3). But the victory came at a cost.
Moments after the match ended, Dimitrov collapsed near his bench, overcome by heat exhaustion and dehydration.
ATP physiotherapists quickly surrounded him, checking his vitals and applying cooling measures.
Though the live broadcast did not show what happened next, spectators and commentators, including Jim Courier, reported that Dimitrov was too weak to walk off the court.
The medical team made the call: he would leave in a wheelchair.
While startling to some fans, this was not a sign of serious injury but rather a necessary precaution.
Wheelchairs are often used in such cases to prevent fainting and ensure immediate medical care.
Dimitrov’s exit, though untelevised, quickly spread through eyewitness accounts and social media.
It wasn’t just the heat—it was the intensity, the effort, and the cost of chasing excellence.
In that moment, Dimitrov didn’t just win a match; he showed what it truly means to leave everything on the court.
However, Jannik Sinner made it to the Wimbledon quarterfinals on June 7, even though he injured his right elbow after falling in the first game and lost the first two sets.
His opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, had to quit during the third set because he hurt a chest muscle.
His previous injury may have caused a muscle bulge, leading to his retirement from the match.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dimitrov was the first Bulgarian man to win an ATP Tour singles title, achieving this at the 2013 Stockholm Open.
- Patrick Mouratoglou coached him in 2012, the same coach who has worked with Serena Williams.
- He began playing tennis daily at age five, coached early on by his father, Dimitar, a tennis coach.
