Tennis

Tenth-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov's Wimbledon campaign came to an abrupt end on Sunday when he was forced to retire injured in the first set of his fourth-round clash against fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev.Dimitrov, who had been in impressive form throughout the tournament, started the match strongly, racing to a 3-0 lead. However, Medvedev fought back to break Dimitrov's serve and level the set at 3-3.Disaster struck for Dimitrov in the sixth game when he slipped on Court One. He attempted to continue playing but was clearly hampered by the injury. After losing the next two games, Dimitrov took a medical timeout.Upon returning to the court, Dimitrov struggled to move effectively. He managed to win one more game before Medvedev served three aces to take the eighth game and seal the set. Dimitrov then decided to retire from the match, handing Medvedev a place in the quarterfinals.Medvedev will now face top seed Jannick Sinner in the last eight. The Russian has a 6-5 head-to-head record against the Italian world No. 1, but Sinner has won their last five encounters.Dimitrov's injury is a major blow to his Wimbledon hopes. The Bulgarian had been playing some of his best tennis in recent months and was considered a potential contender for the title. However, he will now have to focus on recovering from his injury and preparing for the upcoming hard-court season.

Grigor Dimitrov, the former world No. 3, has revealed that he has significantly reduced his off-court activities in recent years to prioritize his physical well-being and extend his tennis career.At 33 years old, Dimitrov acknowledges that his body can no longer handle the same level of exertion as it did in his younger days. He has therefore made a conscious effort to maximize his time off the court for rest, rehabilitation, and exercise."I think before I could keep up with a lot more things outside the court and make sure that I come back the next day and I feel like fully ready and have fresh legs, fresh mind," Dimitrov said. "But in the same time now I cannot just walk all around London and come back and expect the next day to be fully at its best."Dimitrov's approach has paid dividends in 2024. He reached the final of the Miami Open, his third ATP Masters 1000 final, and completed the career set of Grand Slam quarterfinals with a run to the last eight in Paris. The Miami run put him back in the Top 10 for the first time in 260 weeks, the third-longest gap in the Open Era.Dimitrov's transformation is a testament to his dedication and professionalism. He understands that to remain competitive at the highest level, he must make sacrifices and prioritize his physical well-being."I think when you want to be the best, when you want to chase that higher end, you really need to maximize that in every corner you possibly can," Dimitrov said. "I don't want to have any stone unturned."Dimitrov's approach is a reminder that even as athletes age, they can still achieve great things if they are willing to adapt and make the necessary sacrifices.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have emerged as the semifinalists at the 2023 Roland Garros, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown on Friday. Alcaraz, the No. 3 seed, continued his impressive run by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-4.Alcaraz dominated the opening set, breaking Tsitsipas in the first game and wrapping it up with another break in the eighth. The second set was more competitive, with Tsitsipas breaking back after trailing 2-0. However, Alcaraz regained control in the tie-break, winning four consecutive points to take the set.In the third set, Alcaraz broke Tsitsipas early and held on to his serve to secure the victory. The match was marred by some controversy, as Tsitsipas complained to the umpire about Alcaraz's grunting.Earlier in the day, Sinner defeated Grigor Dimitrov in three sets, 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (3). Sinner controlled the match from the start, breaking Dimitrov twice in the first set and once in the second. Dimitrov fought back in the third set, but Sinner proved too strong in the tie-break.Alcaraz and Sinner have now both reached 50 career Grand Slam wins, becoming the first men born in the 2000s to achieve this milestone. Alcaraz has advanced to the semifinals or better at five of the past six majors he has entered, while Sinner has reached the quarterfinals or better at four of the past five.The semifinal clash between Alcaraz and Sinner promises to be a captivating encounter. Alcaraz has won four of their previous eight meetings, but Sinner has prevailed in their only clay-court clash. With both players in excellent form, the match is likely to be decided by fine margins.

At the 2023 Roland Garros tournament, an unprecedented incident occurred during the fourth-round match between No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz and No. 10 seed Grigor Dimitrov. With Hurkacz trailing 2-0 in sets, a line call in the third set sparked a dramatic meltdown.Hurkacz, believing the ball had landed in, demanded a review from chair umpire Alison Hughes. However, Hughes ruled the ball out, prompting an outburst from Hurkacz. Despite initially moving on, Hurkacz revisited the issue during the changeover, asking Dimitrov if he wanted to replace Hughes.Dimitrov appeared confused but eventually agreed to discuss the matter. After a brief exchange, Hurkacz seemed satisfied, and play resumed. Dimitrov went on to win the match 7-6 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (3), reaching his first Roland Garros quarterfinal.In a post-match press conference, Hurkacz explained his actions, stating that he had considered asking for a change earlier. He acknowledged the difficulty of line calls on clay courts and emphasized the need to accept the umpire's decisions.The incident was reminiscent of a similar meltdown by Hurkacz in the third-set tiebreaker of their Miami Open match earlier this year. Dimitrov also won that match, extending his head-to-head record against Hurkacz to 6-0.Despite the setback, Hurkacz praised Dimitrov's competitive spirit and acknowledged that he had not yet managed to win one of their battles. He expressed hope that he would eventually break through and secure a victory against his friend and rival.

Grigor Dimitrov has etched his name in tennis history by becoming the first Bulgarian to reach the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams. His impressive victory over Hubert Hurkacz in the fourth round of Roland Garros marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career.Dimitrov's journey to the quarterfinals has been a testament to his resilience and determination. He has consistently performed at the highest level, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2017, Wimbledon in 2014, and the US Open in 2019. His victory at Roland Garros completes his career set of Grand Slam quarterfinals, a feat achieved by only a select few players.Beyond his Grand Slam success, Dimitrov has also made a mark in the ATP Masters 1000 series. Earlier this year, he reached the quarterfinals of Miami for the first time, completing his career set of Masters 1000 quarterfinals. He went on to reach the final, eventually finishing runner-up to Jannik Sinner.Dimitrov's achievements are even more remarkable considering that he is one of only two men born in 1990 or later to have a complete set of Grand Slam quarterfinals and Masters 1000 quarterfinals, alongside Daniil Medvedev.His impressive record in both Grand Slams and Masters 1000 events highlights his versatility and ability to adapt to different surfaces and playing styles. Dimitrov's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities.As he continues his journey at Roland Garros, Dimitrov will be aiming to make history once again. With his exceptional talent and unwavering determination, he has the potential to reach even greater heights in the world of tennis.

Taylor Fritz, the American tennis star, has emerged as a formidable force on clay courts this season, becoming the first U.S. man to reach the quarterfinals or better of all three clay-court Masters 1000 tournaments. Fritz's newfound confidence on the surface stems from a consistent clay-court diet and a commitment to playing the full swing.Fritz's journey to clay-court success began with a runner-up finish at the 2015 junior Roland Garros. However, it wasn't until recent years that he fully embraced the surface. By playing all the clay-court events, Fritz has gained valuable experience and identified the strengths of his game that translate well to clay.Fritz's forehand, in particular, thrives on clay. He relishes the high ball and the opportunity to hit a spinny, heavy forehand with ample time. This shot has been a key weapon in his recent victories.At the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Fritz has dropped just one set, showcasing his newfound consistency. Despite a marathon tiebreaker against Grigor Dimitrov, Fritz remained composed and saved all 11 break points faced.Fritz's next opponent, Alexander Zverev, poses a significant challenge. Zverev leads their head-to-head 4-3, but Fritz has won two of their last three meetings. The pair have never faced off on clay, adding an intriguing element to their upcoming encounter.Fritz's transformation into "Claylor" is a testament to his dedication and adaptability. By embracing the challenges of clay courts, he has unlocked a new dimension to his game and established himself as a contender on all surfaces.

Grigor Dimitrov's resurgence in tennis has been a testament to his unwavering determination and the profound impact of meaningful relationships. Inspired by Andre Agassi's autobiography, "Open Up," Dimitrov has embraced vulnerability and authenticity, leading to a transformative period in his career.Since October 2023, Dimitrov has achieved remarkable feats, including eight Top 10 victories and two ATP Masters 1000 finals appearances. His recent partnership with Payhawk and Lacoste Underwear further highlights his growing influence beyond the court.Dimitrov attributes his success to the unwavering support of his loved ones, particularly his mother, Maria. Her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds has instilled in him a deep appreciation for human connection. Dimitrov believes that authenticity and self-expression are crucial for personal growth and fulfillment.Despite the highs and lows of a demanding tennis season, Dimitrov has learned to maintain a balanced perspective. He recognizes that both success and setbacks are transient, and that true happiness lies in embracing the journey.Dimitrov's resurgence is not merely a temporary surge but a reflection of his unwavering commitment to self-discovery and the pursuit of his own path. He believes that being true to oneself and surrounding oneself with positive influences is the foundation for a fulfilling life both on and off the court.

The intimate Court des Princes in Monte Carlo witnessed a thrilling three-hour and 30-minute battle between Holger Rune and Grigor Dimitrov, marking the penultimate singles match of the 2024 tournament.Despite having to complete their previous matches earlier in the day due to rain, both players displayed remarkable resilience and determination. Rune and Dimitrov traded blows, with the Dane hitting 36 winners to Dimitrov's 35. The Bulgarian had a slight edge in net points (38 to 32) and won more points overall (127 to 125).The match was a testament to the players' physical and mental fortitude. Dimitrov reached match point twice, but Rune's unwavering aggression and clutch play in the tiebreakers proved decisive. The Dane secured the victory with a 7-6 (9), 3-6, 7-6 (2) scoreline.The capacity crowd played a pivotal role in the match's atmosphere. Their chants and support kept both players motivated and energized. Rune acknowledged the crowd's impact, saying, "The crowd was on fire."Rune and Dimitrov have a history of engaging in marathon matches, with each player having experienced both victory and defeat. Dimitrov's recent resurgence has seen him improve his winning percentage and return to the Top 10. However, Rune's fighting spirit and ability to respond to adversity proved too much for the Bulgarian on this occasion.Rune's victory sets up a highly anticipated clash with Jannik Sinner on Friday. Despite acknowledging Sinner's status as the favorite, Rune remains confident, citing his 2-1 head-to-head record against the Italian.

World number two Carlos Alcaraz's quest for the "Sunshine Double" was cut short in the Miami Open quarter-finals, as he was outplayed by Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.Dimitrov, who had previously defeated Alcaraz in Shanghai, displayed exceptional form, dictating the pace of the match with aggressive net play and precise groundstrokes. The Bulgarian broke Alcaraz's serve early in both sets, forcing the Spaniard to play catch-up.Despite Alcaraz's attempts to rally, Dimitrov remained unyielding, breaking the Spaniard's serve again in the final game of the match to seal the victory."In order to win against him, you have to play at your best," said Dimitrov. "I came into the match very focused and I think extremely clear on what I had to do."Alcaraz acknowledged Dimitrov's brilliance, admitting that he had no answer to his opponent's performance."I have a lot of frustrations right now, because he made me feel like I'm 13 years old," said Alcaraz. "I don't know what I have to do. I don't know his weakness."In the other quarter-final, Germany's Alexander Zverev overcame rising Hungarian Fabian Marozsan in two sets, 6-3, 7-5. Zverev's powerful serve proved too much for Marozsan, who struggled to find his rhythm throughout the match.Zverev will now face Dimitrov in the semi-finals, while the other semi-final will feature Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev, a rematch of the Australian Open final won by Sinner.