Grigor Dimitrov ‘back with kids’ in much-anticipated return from injury in Paris | ATP Tour

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Dimitrov ‘back with kids’ in much-anticipated return from injury in PSG

Bulgaria compete for the first time in 14 weeks

October 25, 2025

You can’t wipe the smile off Grigor Dimitrov’s face these days.

After three months out with a pectoral injury, the 34-year-old Bulgarian finally returns to action at this week’s Rolex Paris Masters, and you can feel his relief throughout La Défense.

“There are a lot of good and mixed feelings in the most positive way, but it’s nice to be back with the kids and start challenging each other again,” Dimitrov told ATPTour.com. “It’s been a good week for me so far, trying to get as much time on the court as possible because that’s what I’m craving. At the same time, I’m also trying to keep things to the basics.

“Of course my goal is to be back to full fitness next year, but it’s a big challenge for me right now, just to see how the body reacts.”

He’s back!#rolexparismasters | #dimitrov pic.twitter.com/elSuGLjKpK

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 24, 2025

Dimitrov last appeared at Wimbledon, where he played some of his most inspired tennis and took a two-set lead in the fourth round over then-world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. He seemed destined to reach the quarter-finals, but it was heartbreak again as the Bulgarian bowed out of a fifth consecutive major after retiring.

His tears spoke louder than any press conference. But when Dimitrov returned to the lights of Paris and reached the final in 2023, he was back to his happy self.

The former PIF ATP No. 3 trained with good friend Andrey Rublev on Friday night and was back training with Francisco Cerundolo less than 12 hours later.

“I’ve been enjoying the last few matches of the year,” said Dimitrov, the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals champion. “Overall, I’m not trying to think too much right now, just trying to be as kind to myself and my body as possible and test myself and see what else I need to do, especially going into next season.”

Dimitrov hopes to be pain-free for a week, physical or otherwise. But emotions will be running high regardless. He will join five-time Grand Slam champion Nicolas Mahut in the doubles, who is playing the final match of his career.

It will be a poignant chapter for both men. One is expected to return to the ATP Tour, the other is taking a final bow.

“We’ve been wanting to do a couple of dual sessions together over the past few years, but to be honest, I never really committed,” Dimitrov said of Mahut. “It’s the right time. It’s his last game and it makes sense. I have a very strong bond with him.

“We’ve been playing against each other for so many years. We’ve played against each other more than once on such a big occasion. So it’s safe to say that this is a good ending for him.”

In the singles match, Dimitrov faced a severe opening test against French big serve Giovanni Mpehi Pericard. However, the Bulgarian owns a 24-12 tournament record, according to the Infosys ATP Win-Loss Index, which includes that match in 2023.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is for sure: Grigor Dimitrov is back where he belongs – smiling, competing, and writing a new chapter in his story.