Is Grigor Dimitrov the biggest wasted talent in tennis history?

(Getty/Visionhaus)

When Grigor Dimitrov burst onto the scene with a stunning win over Novak Djokovic in Madrid back in 2013, the tennis world stood up and took notice. 

He had the flair, the athleticism, the charisma — and was quickly dubbed "Baby Fed" for his stylistic similarities to Roger Federer.

Since then, Dimitrov has had a fine career. 

He's won the Cincinnati Masters, captured the prestigious ATP Finals in 2017, and climbed as high as No.3 in the world rankings. 

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But for all that promise, he has never quite lived up to the lofty expectations that once surrounded him.

The glaring omission on his résumé? A Grand Slam title.

Dimitrov has consistently found himself on the cusp of semi-final runs at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open—but each time, he's been halted by favourites: Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Daniil Medvedev. 

The Bulgarian never entered those deep Slam matchups as the favourite, which speaks more to the era he has competed in than any personal failing.

There are multiple factors behind his lack of major success: periods of poor form, confidence struggles, and the mental toll of falling short repeatedly. 

But recently, it's his body that's failed him. 

The latest heartbreak came just days ago at Wimbledon, where he was two sets to love up against world No.1 Jannik Sinner before injury struck again. 

Scans have confirmed a partial tear of his pectoral muscle, and he is expected to skip the next few tournaments before making a return at next month's US Open.

He's now retired hurt from five straight majors.

He withdrew mid-match at this year's Australian and French Opens, with the run beginning at Wimbledon 2024, where he was forced out in the fourth-round against Medvedev.

Some may argue he's not the biggest 'wasted talent' in tennis, with that title often handed to Nick Kyrgios. 

But unlike Kyrgios, Dimitrov has always given himself a chance. 

He's trained hard, stayed committed, and fought deep into the second week of Slams. 

What's let him down isn't effort or discipline, but timing, circumstance, and a cruel run of physical setbacks.

At 34 and facing yet another comeback trail, the odds of Dimitrov finally winning a major are remote. 

And that's what makes his story so heartbreaking. 

He had everything — everything but luck.

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