“I get to play another match”: Grigor Dimitrov embraces US Open qualifying after unexpected walkover

Friday, 28 August 2026 at 02:30

Grigor Dimtrov at Wimbledon Centre Court.

Grigor Dimitrov has reached the 2026 US Open main draw without hitting a ball on Thursday, but the Bulgarian is choosing to focus on the positive after an unexpected end to his qualifying campaign. Otto Virtanen withdrew before their third-round match with a back injury, handing Dimitrov a place in the tournament’s main draw.

Dimitrov had already won two qualifying matches and was preparing to play his third when Virtanen pulled out. The result means the former world No. 3 will compete at the US Open for the 15th time in his career, despite being forced through qualifying after a recent slide in the rankings.

The 35-year-old admitted that he would have preferred to play another match, particularly after finding some rhythm during the opening rounds of qualifying. He said the previous day had been particularly important for his recovery, but he felt himself gradually finding his level again.

The unexpected walkover also gives Dimitrov additional time to prepare for the main draw, something that could prove valuable after a demanding qualifying week. Rather than seeing qualifying as an unwanted step down, however, the Bulgarian has embraced the opportunity to compete and rebuild his rhythm.

Dimitrov gets unexpected route into US Open main draw

Virtanen's withdrawal means Dimitrov avoids another qualifying battle and advances directly into the main draw. The Finn had narrowly survived his previous match against Jack Pinnington Jones but was unable to take the court against Dimitrov because of his back injury.

Dimitrov had been looking forward to completing the qualifying campaign, particularly because he felt he needed the matches after a difficult period.

“I was really looking forward to play an extra match," the former world No. 3 said. "And, you know, I was playing well the first couple of matches. Yesterday was a big one. I just wanted to make sure that I recovered well. It was, yeah, in the morning when I woke up, I was feeling a little funny, but I was like, okay, little by little, I'm finding my groove.”

The Bulgarian also played qualifying at Roland Garros earlier this season, and his approach to the situation reflects a change in perspective after years at the top of the sport. Rather than viewing qualifying as something beneath his status, Dimitrov sees it as another opportunity to compete.

“I don't have that ego, be like, oh my god, I have to go play qualis. I'm like, oh my god, I get to play another match, or I get to compete again in order for me to find my rhythm again. And that's really about it. Like, I don't, I know it sounds very simple, but it's not. Trust me. A lot of thoughts in my head, but I'm trying to navigate the best I can.”

“Being in a main draw again means a lot to me”

The return to New York comes after a difficult period for Dimitrov, who has dealt with injuries while seeing his ranking drop far enough to force him into Grand Slam qualifying. His last US Open appearance came in 2024, when he reached the quarterfinals before retiring against Frances Tiafoe.

Now, the 35-year-old is trying to approach the latter stages of his career differently, placing greater emphasis on learning from both victories and defeats rather than being overly critical of himself.

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“At the moment, I'm running my own race, and I don't, you know, I love when I win, but also when I lose, I'm finding a very different angle to learn from that. And I think back in the day, I was very, very critical of myself, and we know how it is. Like, we all play tennis, and you know, you get into a head place that it becomes very, very difficult.”

He has also made enjoying the journey a central part of his motivation as he continues to compete at the highest level.

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“Now I'm just trying to be a little bit more kinder to myself and keep enjoying the journey, keep enjoying the game, because it's so fun. You don't know how much more you're going to play. And that's why, you know, being in a main draw again means a lot to me.”

Dimitrov will now wait for the completion of qualifying to learn his first-round opponent. After taking the long route toward the tournament, the Bulgarian has finally secured his place in New York — with an unexpected helping hand from Virtanen.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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