Grigor Dimitrov’s New Chapter
Grigor Dimitrov is embarking on a new chapter in his career as he parts ways with his long-time coach, Jamie Delgado. This development comes on the heels of a remarkable recovery period for Dimitrov, who struggled significantly in 2022. Once celebrated as the 2017 ATP Finals champion, Dimitrov faced a challenging stretch, having gone without a title since his last championship victory and finding it difficult to reach finals since the 2018 Rotterdam Open.
Transformation Under Delgado
At the age of 31, Dimitrov needed fresh inspiration to revive his career prospects. The appointment of Delgado at the end of 2022 proved to be a transformational decision, rekindling Dimitrov’s competitive spirit and focus that had waned in preceding years. Under Delgado’s mentorship, Dimitrov displayed notable improvements in 2023, achieving a place in his second Masters 1000 final at the Paris Masters, where he faced Novak Djokovic, and securing finalist positions in both Geneva and the Miami Open. His advancement also included reaching the fourth rounds of prestigious tournaments like the French Open and Wimbledon.
Resurgence in 2024
The year 2024 marked a significant resurgence for Dimitrov, highlighted by his first title win in over six years at the Adelaide International, with a notable victory over rising star Holger Rune. He continued to demonstrate his skills, finishing as a finalist in Marseille and Stockholm, and further solidifying his status with semifinal appearances at both the Miami Open and Monte-Carlo Masters in 2025. Unfortunately, these accomplishments were marred by ongoing physical challenges, which culminated in a heartbreaking injury at Wimbledon. Leading Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals, Dimitrov was forced to retire due to a torn chest muscle—a moment that not only ended his run that year but also coincided with his final match with Delgado as his coach.
Parting Ways
In an announcement on social media, Dimitrov confirmed their amicable split, expressing gratitude for Delgado’s significant impact during their partnership.
“After a few years and great achievements together, Jamie Delgado and I have decided to part ways amicably. I wish him the best in his future endeavors. I’m excited to start fresh after this time I’ve dedicated fully to my recovery. I’m looking forward to coming back to play soon,”
he stated.
Looking Ahead
While Dimitrov’s future remains uncertain, his legacy with Delgado, who played a critical role in his resurgence, will not be forgotten. Meanwhile, the tennis world is seeing other prominent figures, like Jack Draper and Beatriz Haddad Maia, also stepping back to recover from injuries, highlighting the challenging realities athletes face in maintaining their careers amidst physical strains.
