Dimitrov Withdraws from US Open Due to Injury

NEW YORK: Grigor Dimitrov, formerly ranked world number three, has formally announced his withdrawal from the 2025 US Open because of a persistent chest muscle injury, international reports confirmed Tuesday.

The three-time Grand Slam semifinalist initially suffered the injury during his round of 16 match against Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon last month. He was forced to retire after conceding the first two sets, with the injury intensifying in the third, leading to his premature exit.

Earlier in the year, Dimitrov had to withdraw from several tournaments, including the Australian Open and the French Open, following similar instances at the 2024 Wimbledon and US Open.

These recurring injuries are generating concerns about the Bulgarian player’s capacity to sustain peak performance.

The recent setback sustained at Wimbledon persists in causing problems for Dimitrov, and this withdrawal marks the fifth successive Grand Slam in which he will be unable to participate.

Having reached the semifinals in New York in 2019, Dimitrov has been a consistent performer in the sport for the last decade, also achieving final-four appearances at the 2014 Wimbledon and 2017 Australian Open. His absence will certainly be noted.

Dimitrov’s withdrawal enables Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo to gain direct entry into the men’s singles draw. Tabilo, who is experiencing a season with a career-high ranking, will be seeking to make a substantial impression in his main draw debut.

American player Brandon Holt is now the next in line for entry into the competition should another player withdraw. Holt garnered attention in 2022 when he defeated top-ranked American Taylor Fritz at the US Open. He is also the son of two-time US Open champion Tracy Austin.