Follow us on Google Discover Grigor Dimitrov is finally set to make his return to the ATP Tour nearly four months on from his heartbreaking Wimbledon exit.
The Bulgarian was enjoying a strong campaign at the All England Club in the summer, having dropped just one set en route to the fourth round, where he met Jannik Sinner.
In his clash with the eventual champion, Dimitrov took a commanding two-set lead and was closing in on a huge upset victory.
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What followed was a gutting ending to his run in South West London, as Dimitrov injured his pectoral muscle when serving at 2-2 in the third set, and was ultimately forced to retire from the contest.
The 34-year-old is back now, however, and recently shared his feelings heading into the Paris Masters, where he is a former finalist.
Grigor Dimitrov speaks ahead of the 2025 Paris Masters
As per Univers Tennis, ahead of his return to tour-level action, he said: “There’s a lot of emotion, but in a good way.
“It’s good to be back with the guys and challenging ourselves again. It’s been a good week so far; I’m trying to put in as many hours as possible on the court, because that’s what I’ve been missing.
“At the same time, I’m trying to stay focused on the basics. My goal is to return at full strength next year. But for now, the real challenge is to see how my body reacts.
“I’ve always enjoyed these last tournaments of the year. I don’t want to think too much, just be kind to myself and my body, and test what I can still improve for next season.”
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Dimitrov will have a difficult task in his opening match at the event, having drawn Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round.
Should he advance past the big-serving Frenchman, his second-round opponent will either be Swiss Indoors semifinalist Jaume Munar or Almaty Open champion Daniil Medvedev.
Grigor Dimitrov’s record at the Paris Masters over the years
Dimitrov has appeared at the Paris Masters 12 times in his career, holding an overall record of 24 wins and 12 losses at the event.
Though he has never won the title, Dimitrov came close in 2023, when he advanced all the way to the championship match.
He beat several top stars en route to the final, including Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
RoundOpponentRound of 64Lorenzo Musetti (W)Round of 32Daniil Medvedev (W)Round of 16Alexander Bublik (W)QuarterfinalsHubert Hurkacz (W)SemifinalsStefanos Tsitsipas (W)FinalNovak Djokovic (L)Grigor Dimitrov’s 2023 Paris Masters campaign
In the final, Dimitrov was beaten by Novak Djokovic, with the Serb overcoming him in straight sets to hoist the title.
His second-best finish at the Paris Masters came in 2019, when he made the semifinals before losing to Djokovic.
Last season, Dimitrov reached the quarterfinals, where he was knocked out by Karen Khachanov.