Who is Grigor Dimitrov, the “new Federer” who challenges Sinner in the Wimbledon round of 16

Grigor Dimitrov, 33, a Bulgarian from Haskovo, is one of the most fascinating characters on the circuit. Famous for his one-handed backhand—compared for years to that of Roger Federer—Dimitrov has had a rollercoaster career: from the title at the 2017 ATP Finals and the best ranking of world no. 3, to the drops in the rankings and spectacular comebacks.

The Bulgarian is now back among the protagonists of Wimbledon, after a high-level 2024 season: four finals, title in Brisbane, semifinal in Miami and a new entry into the top-10 after years of shadow. In the 2025 Wimbledon draw he eliminated Nishioka, Moutet and Ofner, reaching the round of 16 as the number 19 seed.

The Beginnings: Between Junior Successes and Dreams of a Predestined One

Dimitrov was born in 1991 to a family of athletes—both parents former volleyball players, his father an Olympic silver medalist and tennis coach. Grigor took up the racket at 5 years old and burned the stages: in 2008 he won Wimbledon and the US Open as a junior, closing the season as world no. 1.

He turned professional in the same year and, in 2009, immediately found his first ATP victory. The big leap came in 2013 with the title in Stockholm, then the 2014 Wimbledon semifinal, beating the defending champion Murray, and the top-10 achieved at just 23 years old.

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2017 is Dimitrov's golden year: he wins the Cincinnati Masters 1000 without losing a set and consecrates himself at the ATP Finals in London, beating Goffin in the final. From there, the best ranking as world no. 3 and the definitive investiture of "new Federer" for style, talent and technical grace.

Between ups, downs and new challenges: the rebirth of 2024

After a years-long slump—culminating in a slump to No. 78 in 2019—Dimitrov is back on track. In 2024, he returns to the top 10, wins in Brisbane (beating Murray and Rune), reaches the semifinals in Miami (beaten by Djokovic) and reaches the round of 16 at Wimbledon with a solid run.

At Wimbledon 2025:

• 1st round: b. Nishioka 6-2, 6-3, 6-4

• 2nd round: b. Moutet 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5

• 3rd round: b. Ofner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(0)

Records, stats and precedents with Sinner

• Age: 33 years old (born May 16, 1991, Haskovo)

• Best ranking: n.3 (November 2017)

• Current ranking: n.21 (July 2025)

• ATP titles: 9 (including a Masters 1000, Cincinnati 2017)

• ATP Finals: Champion 2017

• Wins vs Top 10: 43

• Previous with Sinner:

  • 2020 Rome: Dimitrov b. Sinner 4-6 6-4 6-4

  • 2023 Miami, China Open: Sinner b. Dimitrov

  • 2024 Miami, Roland Garros: Sinner v. Dimitrov (Sinner ahead 4-1 in head-to-head)

Gossip: celebrity love stories and “the circuit’s hottie”

In addition to tennis, Dimitrov has always been at the center of the gossip columns: ex-boyfriend of Maria Sharapova, long relationship with pop star Nicole Scherzinger and, recently, the story with model Madalina Ghenea. But his true love remains the court: the one-handed backhand, "Federer style", still makes purists dream and lights up every Wimbledon highlight.

Expert's word: "Grigor is back, but Sinner is the favourite"

“Dimitrov plays the best tennis in recent years, he is elegant, explosive and always dangerous on his good days. But Sinner, world number 1, is the favourite: he will have to be careful of the Bulgarian's backhand and variations, especially on the grass at Wimbledon.”