Grigor Dimitrov was one of just two foreign players to be awarded a Wimbledon wildcard for the men’s singles draw.
It marks a hugely significant boost for the Bulgarian, who received this accolade off the back of his performance at last year’s event.
There, he led by two-sets-to-love against the world number one Jannik Sinner, before a devastating injury forced him to retire. The Italian would go on to win the entire event off the back of this stroke of luck, whilst Grigor Dimitrov has been forced to scramble his way back to fitness.
Unsurprisingly, after tearing the muscle in his pec, it has been a long road to recovery.
Worryingly, with Wimbledon just around the corner, it feels as though he is still so far from the level needed to be even half as competitive as he was around this time last year.
Grigor Dimitrov suffers worrying loss in Dublin Challenger
Perhaps the most searing indictment of his current level is his most recent result.
In a bid to get crucial reps on the grass ahead of Wimbledon in a less-pressured environment, Dimitrov opted to play a Challenger event in Dublin.
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Having cruised through the first two rounds, the 35-year-old hit an unexpected snag, inexplicably losing to Kyrian Jacquet, the number three seed.
His straight-sets defeat was frustratingly routine, and marks yet another setback in his quest to return to the top 100.
Dimitrov currently sits 163rd in the world rankings, but boasts a career-high ranking of third.
He is one of many star names to have been awarded a Wimbledon wildcard, including Stan Wawrinka and the ladies’ doubles pairing of Serena and Venus Williams.
Grigor Dimitrov shares his thoughts on getting a wildcard from Wimbledon
Speaking to Punto de Break, Dimitrov has actually offered his reaction to being gifted a wildcard for Wimbledon.
He admitted: “Honestly, I am very grateful. That’s it.
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“What happened in the past stays in the past, I don’t even consider looking back. I greatly appreciate Wimbledon giving me that wildcard, it means a lot, and it is an honor. It is an honor to be at Wimbledon, imagine doing it from the main draw.
“Right now, I’m here. I’m focused on everything I have to do, eager to compete. That’s it. I have no expectations for Wimbledon.”
