Shocking And Sad; Grigor Dimitrov Drops Out of ATP Top 20 Amid Injury Struggles as Kuzmanov Surges in Rankings
Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov has slipped out of the ATP Top 20 rankings for the first time since July 2023, according to the latest update released on Monday. Dimitrov, long regarded as Bulgaria’s most prominent tennis player, now holds the No. 21 spot in the world rankings.
This marks a significant change in the 33-year-old’s career trajectory, as he has consistently remained among the top-ranked players for nearly two years. However, the 2025 season has been challenging for Dimitrov. Persistent injury issues have forced him to withdraw from four of the ten tournaments he entered this year.
His most recent setback occurred at the 2025 French Open (Roland Garros), where he was forced to retire due to injury during a match in late May. Since then, Dimitrov has not appeared in any professional competition, raising concerns about his fitness and future performance.
While Dimitrov’s ranking took a hit, there was a positive development for another Bulgarian player. Dimitar Kuzmanov, the country’s second-highest-ranked male tennis professional, made a significant jump in the ATP rankings. Kuzmanov climbed 28 positions to reach world No. 225 after a strong showing last week, where he reached the final of a Challenger-level tournament in France.
Kuzmanov’s rise in the rankings brings a glimmer of hope for Bulgarian tennis fans, especially amid concerns about Dimitrov’s form and physical condition. The contrasting fortunes of the two top Bulgarian players highlight both the challenges of maintaining peak performance on the ATP Tour and the opportunities for emerging talent to climb the ranks.
Dimitrov, known for his elegant playing style and resilience on the court, will aim to recover from his injuries and reclaim a spot in the Top 20 in the months ahead. His long-term health and return schedule, however, remain uncertain, and fans will be closely watching for updates on his recovery.
As the 2025 season progresses, the focus will remain on whether Dimitrov can overcome his physical setbacks and on whether players like Kuzmanov can continue to rise through the ranks and help maintain Bulgaria’s presence on the global tennis stage.
