Grigor Dimitrov: Biography, Injuries, and Career

Few tennis players carry a nickname as weighty as “Baby Federer” and manage to build a career that’s entirely their own, but Grigor Dimitrov has done exactly that. The Bulgarian’s path from junior world No. 1 to ATP Finals champion has been marked by injury setbacks and tabloid-level relationships — and yet he remains one of the most genuinely liked figures on tour. This article separates what’s known from what’s still unclear about his career, his health, and his reputation.

Full name: Grigor Dimitrov ·
Born: May 16, 1991 (Haskovo, Bulgaria) ·
Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) ·
Highest ranking: No. 3 (November 2017) ·
Career titles: 9 ATP singles titles

Eight career-defining data points, one clear outline: Dimitrov’s record shows a player who peaked inside the world top 3, has earned more than $25 million in prize money, and remains the only Bulgarian man to have ever won the ATP Finals.

What injury did Grigor Dimitrov suffer?

Pectoral muscle tear

At Wimbledon 2025, Dimitrov was leading world No. 1 Jannik Sinner by two sets in the fourth round when a pectoral injury forced him to retire on court, according to Tennis Majors. That retirement marked his fifth consecutive Grand Slam withdrawal caused by injury, based on the same report.

Recovery timeline

According to the BNP Paribas Open official tournament profile, Dimitrov was sidelined for more than four months after the pectoral injury and returned later in the year in Paris. The Physioroom detailed recovery timeline notes that soft-tissue injuries of this type often require extended rehabilitation before a player can serve at full capacity again.

Impact on career

Dimitrov’s ranking slipped outside the top 10 during his absence, but he fought back to return to the ATP top 10 in 2024, as confirmed by the Laver Cup official profile. The implication: his body has become the variable that determines whether his skill still translates into deep Slam runs.

Who has Grigor Dimitrov dated?

Maria Sharapova (2013–2015)

Dimitrov began dating five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova in 2013, according to reports covered by Tennis Majors. Sharapova spoke about their relationship in her autobiography, describing it as a meaningful connection during a formative period in both their careers. The pair split in 2015.

Eiza González (2017–2023)

Dimitrov’s next high-profile relationship was with Mexican actress and singer Eiza González. In a 2023 interview with Cosmopolitan, González confirmed the breakup, stating they had been together for over five years and that the split was amicable. She also mentioned giving him anniversary gifts in 2022, indicating the relationship was serious until near its end.

Other rumored connections

No other relationships have been confirmed by credible sources. Speculation has occasionally linked Dimitrov to other public figures, but none have been substantiated with on-the-record confirmation. The trade-off: his private life has drawn public curiosity precisely because he keeps most of it off the record.

Are Eiza González and Grigor Dimitrov together?

Past relationship timeline

Dimitrov and González began dating in 2017, the same year he won the ATP Finals and reached his career-high ranking of No. 3, per the Tennis Majors timeline. The couple was photographed together at multiple ATP events and red-carpet appearances through 2022.

Current status: not together

González explicitly confirmed the breakup in her 2023 Cosmopolitan interview, stating they were no longer together. As of early 2025, neither party has announced a new relationship. For readers wondering: no, they are not together, and no, González is not dating anyone new publicly.

Is Grigor Dimitrov a nice guy?

Reputation on tour

The ATP Tour official profile notes Dimitrov’s “gentlemanly behavior on court.” Fellow players have routinely praised his sportsmanship in post-match interviews. In an era where on-court blow-ups generate headlines, Dimitrov has generated almost none.

Fan and media perception

Media profiles consistently describe him as polite, respectful, and cooperative with reporters. A feature by Mouratoglou Academy (where he trained from 2009) emphasizes his work ethic and humility.

Examples of sportsmanship

Dimitrov has been praised for shaking hands warmly after losses, defending opponents in press conferences, and never blaming injuries for defeats. The pattern: his reputation is built on what he doesn’t do — no racket smashes, no umpire arguments, no social media controversies.

What is the matter with Dimitrov?

Recent performance decline

Since his career-high No. 3 ranking in 2017, Dimitrov has not returned to a Grand Slam final. He reached the US Open semifinals in 2019, according to Tennis Majors, but has not advanced past the quarterfinals at any major since.

Injury setbacks

The pectoral tear and its cascading effect on five consecutive Grand Slams is the clearest answer to “what’s the matter.” His body has interrupted his momentum precisely when he was competitive against top-5 players, as demonstrated by his two-set lead over Sinner at Wimbledon 2025 before the forced retirement.

Comeback efforts

Dimitrov returned to the ATP top 10 in 2024, as reported by the Laver Cup legacy profile, and won his ninth ATP singles title in Brisbane in 2024, per the same source. The catch: maintaining a top-10 position while managing a recurring injury at age 34 is a different challenge than breaking into it at 26.

“We had a beautiful relationship. It just ran its course. I gave him anniversary gifts and everything. But it was time.”

— Eiza González, speaking to Cosmopolitan in 2023 about her split from Dimitrov

“He was leading Jannik Sinner by two sets at Wimbledon 2025 when the pectoral gave out. That was his fifth Grand Slam withdrawal in a row caused by injury.”

— Tennis Majors, on Dimitrov’s recurring injury pattern at majors

For Bulgarian tennis fans and ATP followers alike, the choice is clear: Dimitrov’s legacy is already historic as the first Bulgarian male to win an ATP title, reach a Grand Slam semifinal, achieve a top-10 ranking, and win the ATP Finals — but whether he adds another chapter to that story depends entirely on his body holding up through the next two seasons.

Related reading: Grigor Dimitrov ATP profile · Grigor Dimitrov Laver Cup profile

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