Wild-Card Dimitrov Seizes Second Chance with Stunning Wimbledon Redemption
Dimitrov, now ranked 146, used his wild-card to full effect at Wimbledon. After beating Mensik, he will face former finalist Matteo Berrettini for a place in the last 16.
'All You Can Do Is Smile' says emotional Dimitrov as he earns Wimbledon redemption vs Mensik...
A year after the most heartbreaking defeat of his career, Grigor Dimitrov was in tears on Thursday - this time from relief. The Bulgarian earned an emotional, cathartic second-round victory at Wimbledon over Czech breakout star Jakub Mensik.
Dimitrov beat the 15th-seeded Mensik 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 on Court One, putting last year’s painful Wimbledon exit behind him for good.
At 35, Dimitrov’s emotional reaction to his redemption win was so powerful it left him overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. The moment moved the crowd to their feet for a standing ovation.
Next up for Dimitrov is former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini, with a spot in the round of 16 on the line. But no matter how far he goes in this grass-court major, he’s already erased the bitterness of his 2024 loss to Jannik Sinner.
Dimitrov had to pull out last year because of injury when he was close to a stunning upset of Sinner, having gone up two sets to love against the Italian in the fourth round.
Prior to the injury against Sinner, Dimitrov was playing some of the finest tennis of his career. His career has shown plenty of talent, but it has often fallen short in the biggest moments.
With what could have been a career-defining win in reach, Dimitrov tore his right pectoral muscle while serving an ace.
“I'm very emotional and a little bit overwhelmed at the moment,” Dimitrov said before briefly halting his on-court interview as his tears flowed.
“All I wanted to do is just come out and fight, that was my goal. I didn't even think about winning or losing.
“I thank my team, my friends, my family and my girlfriend, everyone that has been with me through that path. The path here has been so difficult.
“It is all about conquering myself and playing tennis like I did today, regardless of the outcome.”
A String of Grand Slam Setbacks
He received treatment on court before briefly walking off through the tunnel and having to retire, breaking down in tears.
It marked his fourth straight major where he was forced to retire during a match, and he stayed away from the ATP Tour for several months after.
The mental impact of that night against Sinner lingered longer than the physical injury itself for Dimitrov.
His level dropped off after that, and when he came back to Wimbledon last week to train before the event, his ranking had fallen to 146.
That one meant more. 🫶#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/FcdSHP65pP
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2026
The former world No. 3, who captured the 2017 ATP Finals title, has yet to make a Grand Slam final in his career.
Dimitrov’s first deep major run came at Wimbledon in 2014, when he reached the semi-finals before losing to Novak Djokovic, who would go on to lift the trophy.
It was a pattern Dimitrov knows well as the perennial runner-up. Sinner also used his escape against the Bulgarian as a springboard to win Wimbledon last year.
Dimitrov’s other Grand Slam semi-final appearances came at the 2017 Australian Open and the 2019 US Open.
Given a wild-card by Wimbledon officials for this year’s event, Dimitrov has made the most of the opportunity.
After fending off a tough challenge from Mensik in a gripping match, Dimitrov said he felt a huge sense of relief to finally avoid another painful exit at Wimbledon.
“Yes indeed. I got broken in the first game of the fourth set so that wasn't a great start. I looked up four or five times, hoping that I was going to finish the match before they decided to close the roof,” he said.
“It was almost like deja vu, but all you can do is smile. What happened in the past stays there and I have to embrace what comes next, whether it is good or bad.”
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