Grigor Dimitrov’s dream of reaching a major final remains unfulfilled after an injury halted his progress at the 2024 US Open quarter-final.
Facing Frances Tiafoe, Dimitrov had just come off a tough five-set win against Andrey Rublev, who was visibly frustrated during their match. The scores were 6-3, 7-6(3), 1-6, 3-6, 6-3.
During the quarter-final on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Dimitrov lost the first set to Tiafoe with a score of 3-6 and struggled physically in the second set, trailing at 1-4. Out of nowhere, he managed to rally and take the second set in a tie-breaker despite hitting consecutive double faults when leading. He won it 7-5.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇬 Grigor Dimitrov | 33 | 3,775 | 28 - 9 |
Injury Strikes Again:
However, his physical troubles returned in the third set which he lost 3-6. He signaled that continuing might be impossible despite taking a medical time-out. Eventually down by 1-4 in the fourth set, Dimitrov retired from the match, allowing Tiafoe to advance to the semi-finals. Afterward, Dimitrov explained his condition:
“Yeah, I think it’s a combination from everything. Clearly my rehab process is a little bit slower than before… It’s just the game.”
Fans might feel sad about this news because they always hope for their favorite players to succeed.
“As I said,” he continued, “I just need to reassess certain things… But given all circumstances from Montreal up until now… I wasn’t really sure I’d be even able to do as well as I wanted.”
“And again,” he added humbly, “I take this quarterfinal any time… Frances played great tennis too.”
Dimitrov didn’t want to overshadow Tiafoe’s achievement. This marks Tiafoe’s second semi-final appearance at a major tournament while Dimitrov has yet to reach such heights at the US Open.
Physical issues have plagued him recently; he’s retired from matches at Roland Garros (2021), US Open (2021), Wimbledon Championships (2022), and now Wimbledon Championships (2024).
Pressed further about his injury during his post-match conference:
“It accumulates… You never know how with stress and effort we’re putting into it.”
“I wish I could pinpoint something more specific,” he admitted. “But that’s why I’m saying I need to brush that one off now and focus on what’s ahead.”
Asked if retiring was necessary or if finishing was an option:
“It’s the second slam in a row this happened,” he sighed. “I think I have enough experience to know when there’s no point continuing further.”
“Do I like doing it? No,” he concluded simply.
What are your thoughts on Dimitrov’s struggle with injuries?
