Grigor Dimitrov’s return to the ATP Challenger Tour hasn’t provided the boost he’d hoped for.
The former world No. 3, who injured his pectoral muscle during Wimbledon last year and was forced to retire after leading eventual champion Jannik Sinner by two sets, has struggled to find his form since returning to action.
He has managed just three wins since then and has seen his ranking drop to its lowest point in a decade.
Dimitrov, now needing to go through French Open qualifying next month, had dropped down to the Challenger Tour in an effort to regain some confidence. But things haven’t gone as planned so far.
Grigor Dimitrov falls to world number 312 at Challenger event
It was Dimitrov’s first appearance on the Challenger Tour in over a decade, and he accepted a wildcard entry following a first-round exit at the Madrid Open. His opponent was qualifier and world number 312, Pol Martin Tiffon.
Dimitrov’s record for the season hasn’t looked great, and this match added to his struggles. The Bulgarian lost 6-3, 6-4, extending his losing streak to five matches.
This defeat marks the lowest-ranked player to beat him since Kevin King (ranked 405) managed it back in Atlanta in 2019.
Grigor Dimitrov faces lowest ranking since 2010 after Challenger loss
Dimitrov has already dropped out of the top 100 and is set to play Grand Slam qualifying at Roland Garros for the first time since 2012.
And things could get worse before they get better, with another ranking drop on the horizon following his recent defeats.
Dimitrov made it to the last 16 in Madrid last year but is now sitting at number 168 in the live ATP rankings.
This marks his lowest ranking since September 2010 and will make it even harder for him to enter ATP events without relying on wildcards.
Next up, Dimitrov heads to Rome for the Italian Open, where he once reached the semifinals. But this time, he’ll be starting in qualifying.
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