“I’m going to keep trying”: Grigor Dimitrov refuses to give up on Grand Slam dream after Wimbledon heartbreak

Tuesday, 07 July 2026 at 08:30

Grigor Dimitrov left Wimbledon with another painful reminder of how difficult the final step can be in tennis, but the Bulgarian refused to see his latest setback as the end of his pursuit of a Grand Slam title. After falling to Arthur Fery in a dramatic five-set battle on Centre Court, the former world No. 3 delivered a message of persistence, insisting that his ultimate goal has never disappeared.

The 35-year-old was beaten 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) by the British wildcard in the fourth round, missing out on another opportunity to reach the second week of a major. Dimitrov had chances throughout the match, but Fery held his nerve in a thrilling deciding tie-break to secure the biggest win of his career and end the Bulgarian’s Wimbledon run.

For Dimitrov, the defeat carried an additional layer of emotion. Exactly 52 weeks earlier, he had been standing on the same Centre Court and competing in the same fourth round against Jannik Sinner, only for that match to end in heartbreaking fashion when he was forced to retire due to injury while leading against the eventual champion.

This time, Dimitrov was able to walk away from Centre Court after fighting until the final point and receiving a warm ovation from the crowd. Although the result was another disappointment, the Bulgarian explained that he wanted to focus on the fact that he was still creating opportunities at the highest level, even after years of competing against the best players in the world.

“Will I win a Grand Slam? I don’t know”: Dimitrov keeps chasing his biggest dream

Asked whether this Wimbledon experience could leave him with happier memories compared to last year’s injury heartbreak against Sinner, Dimitrov admitted that the defeat itself still hurt, but he wanted to appreciate everything surrounding another deep run at the All England Club.

“I don’t know, happier memories,” Dimitrov said with a laugh. “Well, on the court it’s a loss again, it’s not so happy. But I’m going to choose to see it as a happy moment.”

The Bulgarian explained that every opportunity to compete on the biggest stages remains meaningful, especially at this stage of his career. Dimitrov, who reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2014 and has also made the last four at the Australian Open and US Open, knows that his chances are becoming more valuable with every passing season.

“Every match that I’ve played so far has been filled with so many emotions. It’s sad for sure, it’s sad. Of course, I wanted to do well and even better, who knows what might’ve happened. At least now I know that I just didn’t have enough in me to make it happen.”

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Despite the frustration, Dimitrov made it clear that he is not ready to walk away from his ambitions. The Bulgarian remains one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation, and although he has already achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 3 and won the ATP Finals in 2017, the missing piece remains a Grand Slam trophy.

“Will I win a Grand Slam? I don’t know. But I keep giving myself opportunities to get there. The goal of winning a Grand Slam has never disappeared. I’m going to keep trying,” Dimitrov concluded.

“I can’t just flip the switch”: Dimitrov knows the challenge is growing

Dimitrov also reflected on the reality of competing at the highest level after more than a decade among the elite players. The Bulgarian admitted that he cannot expect to return to Wimbledon after a long season and immediately produce his best tennis

“I can’t just flip the switch after 52 weeks and expect to play lights out," the former ATP Finals champion said. "I have to fight even more right now, more than before. I have to put a lot more effort than before."

Jannik Sinner and Grigor Dimitrov at Centre Court in 2025 Wimbledon. The Bulgarian led Sinner by two sets but had to retire after sustaining an injury to his right pectoral.

The former world No. 3 acknowledged that extending his career requires greater attention to every detail, both physically and mentally. With younger players continuing to emerge and the margins at Grand Slam level becoming increasingly small, Dimitrov believes preparation away from competition will be more important than ever.

“Everything kind of doubles up for me from now on and I need to be very selective with everything that I do on and off the court so I can give myself the best chance.”

Dimitrov may have left Wimbledon without another quarter-final appearance, but his belief remains intact. Another opportunity slipped away on Centre Court, yet the Bulgarian continues to chase the achievement that has eluded him throughout his career: becoming a Grand Slam champion.

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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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