Grigor Dimitrov announced his comeback right at the start of 2024, rallying past Holger Rune to win the Brisbane Open.

Since, it’s been somewhat of a mixed bag for Dimitrov who’s suffered from a handful of frustrating injuries and retirements.

Having reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, the 33-year-old retired just eight games into the first set against Daniil Medvedev.

Grigor Dimitrov still ‘encouraged’ after topsy-turvy year

Unfortunately for the Bulgarian, he couldn’t back his opening round win in Vienna over Zhang Zhizhen.

Against an opponent in such great shape, Tomas Machac beat his fourth top 10 of the year in Dimitrov, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3, to continue on to the quarter-finals.

A dent to his ATP finals ambitions, Dimitrov reflected on a demanding season on-court.

“It’s a long year. It’s a tough year. It’s a grueling year,” Dimitrov told Tennis.com. “Everybody is playing well and the competition is furious. To be able at this day and age to do that on such a level is something that I’m very appreciative for.

“I’m encouraged by the challenge that I have in front of me every day, changing the surface, changing the courts, changing the balls and just everything all together.

“I really don’t take it for granted. I don’t know how long everything will last, but I will enjoy the ride. That’s what I always say.”

Has Grigor Dimitrov lived up to his potential? 

Dimitrov has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but has struggled to fully live up to the high expectations placed on him early on. https://www.thetennisgazette.com/tag/tomas-machac/

At least early on, he was compared to Roger Federer for his elegant style of play – some big boots to fill!

Yet to win a Grand Slam title – something many believed was within his reach given his talent – Dimitrov has been hampered by injury throughout his career.

While he remains a dangerous player on any given day, the tennis world still wonders if he could have achieved more.

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