Grigor Dimitrov admits to contemplating retirement on three occasions due to mental health issues - "I don't know how long everything will last"

Life as a professional tennis player comes with moments of uncertainty and anxiety, and Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov revealed he considered hanging up his racket on multiple occasions due to the stress of being on tour.

The 33-year old has been a staple on the ATP Tour for over a decade, during which he reached a career-high ranking of World No.3. Furthermore, he has reached at least the quarterfinals at every Grand Slam event, one of the few active ATP stars achieve this feat. Nonetheless, Dimitrov revealed he has struggled with mental health issues over that time period, which caused him to consider quitting the sport of tennis.

Read also

Roddick dismisses Six Kings Slam: “The whole thing just looked completely unnatural”

Mental health needs to be addressed, says Dimitrov

In a post-match interview at the 2024 Vienna Open, Dimitrov spoke on the challenges faced by numerous players and how it affects their mental health. The 2017 ATP Finals champion revealed he had experienced anxiety and panic attacks while on the court, and considered retiring multiple times. Nonetheless, the Bulgarian hopes his being open would cause other players to step forward and address the issue.

“I think a lot of players need to come through for that," said the World No.9. "We're a very individual sport, but we need to unite when it comes to health and mental health. There should not be any ranking, or where you're from judged.
"It's just a topic that has always been lingering around in the background. It has not been addressed enough overall. It's up to the players and everyone around to address it, or not. I’m just speaking my heart on that. Whenever I'm asked, I'll always answer very promptly and honestly.
"It's something that we need to understand, what is it exactly? If it’s loneliness, if it's something else that is bothering us just overall. Time alone is important to recognize this, but time spent completely alone on the other hand can be disruptive. I try to recognize things first and then try to address it with anyone that I feel close and connected to. That's what has always helped me go through certain moments in my life, my career.
"I'm encouraged by the challenge that I have in front of me every day, changing the surface, changing the courts, changing the balls and just everything all together. I really don't take it for granted. I don't know how long everything will last, but I will enjoy the ride. That's what I always say."

Read also

Frances Tiafoe loses his temper again, confronts umpire and supervisor in Vienna over time violation