Grigor Dimitrov won his second consecutive match at Wimbledon on July 2, 2026, defeating 15th seed Jakub Mensik 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.
The victory followed a first-round win over Dane Sweeny.
The Bulgarian, 35, returned to the same courts where a severe pectoral injury forced him to retire against Jannik Sinner exactly 12 months ago.
Emotional Return
After his opening round win, Dimitrov stayed on court to engage with the crowd. "I just wanted to take it all in.
I'm incredibly appreciative of the support I've had," he said, as reported by BBC Sport.
The former world number three missed significant tour time due to the injury, ending a streak of 58 consecutive Grand Slam appearances.
He returned to competition in October 2025.
"I'm very grateful to Wimbledon for trusting me with a wildcard. That shows appreciation, and I felt a lot of love out there," Dimitrov said.
He had early exits at the Australian Open and French Open qualifiers earlier in 2026 before arriving at the All England Club.
"At the same time, I don't want to let people down.
There are so many reasons why I play this sport, and that connection with the fans is a big one," he added.
The emotional weight of the comeback became apparent months after the physical setback.
"Over a career, there are certain moments you always remember, and this will definitely be one of them," Dimitrov said.
His opening victory validated his rehabilitation process.
"To come back 12 months later and get a win means a lot to me, truly a lot.
I care deeply about this sport and about coming back to play at the highest level and compete again," he stated.
The atmosphere intensified his satisfaction. "I'm craving moments like this, especially in such an iconic place.
It all adds up, and it was just a great day for me. I couldn't be happier," he said.
Overwhelming Emotions
In the second round against Mensik, Dimitrov paused his post-match on-court interview on Court 1, struggling to contain tears as the crowd showed support.
"More emotions," he said, according to Express. co.
uk.
"I honestly don't have much to say other than I'm so happy to be back and just play tennis in front of you guys.
That's it. It's for me just...
I'm very emotional and overwhelmed a bit at the moment. I'll collect myself here," he told the interviewer.
After composing himself, Dimitrov expressed gratitude. "It's just a great match today.
All I wanted to do was come out and fight. That was my goal.
I didn't think about winning or losing. I didn't even think about my body to that extent.
You guys helped a lot. The atmosphere was spectacular as always.
I feel so loved. So supported.
Every time coming to Wimbledon is extra special to me. I want you guys to know that," he said.
He thanked his team, friends, family, and his absent girlfriend. "I thank my team.
I thank my friends. I thank my family.
I thank my girlfriend who's not here. But I'm sure she's watching.
I'm thanking everyone who's been with me through that path. The last year has been so difficult.
It's not about winning or losing. It's just about conquering myself and playing tennis just like that today, regardless of the outcome.
Thank you for embracing me. Thank you for supporting me always.
Thank you," Dimitrov added.
During the match, a roof closure in the third set altered conditions.
"I got broken in the first game of the fourth set so that was not a great start," he said.
The closure brought back memories of his injury. "Listen, of course I looked up four or five times.
I was hoping I was going to finish the match before the roof was about to close again.
It was almost like Deja vu. All you can do is just smile at that.
What happened in the past stays there. Embrace what comes next whether it's good or bad.
Today was all about that," he explained.
Dimitrov will next face Italian Matteo Berrettini, who advanced after defeating Stan Wawrinka in a four-hour match. "If nothing else, it's gonna be a pretty match.
I'm looking forward to it.
I'm gonna enjoy right now, rest, and put myself in the best possible way to come back and battle out again.
For now I'm just gonna enjoy and cherish the moment," Dimitrov said.
Elsewhere, American fourth seed Ben Shelton was eliminated in the first round by Finland's Otto Virtanen, who won 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (8-10), 6-2, 7-6 (11-9).
