The tennis world was left stunned today as former world No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov announced his shock retirement from professional tennis. The 33-year-old Bulgarian cited ongoing injuries as the reason behind his difficult decision.
Dimitrov, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 in 2017, has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Despite his best efforts to recover, the Bulgarian has been unable to regain his top form, leading to his decision to hang up his racket.
“I’m heartbroken to announce that I’ve decided to retire from professional tennis,” Dimitrov said in a statement. “The injuries have taken a toll on my body, and I can no longer compete at the level I want to.”
Dimitrov’s retirement marks the end of an era for Bulgarian tennis. He was the first Bulgarian player to reach the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament, achieving the feat at Wimbledon in 2014.
Throughout his career, Dimitrov won eight ATP titles, including the 2017 ATP Finals. He also represented Bulgaria in the Davis Cup and the Olympics.
Dimitrov’s fans and fellow players took to social media to pay tribute to the retiring star, praising his dedication, passion, and achievements in the sport.