Grigor Dimitrov has just made a bold coaching decision ahead of his return to tennis.
The Bulgarian star hasn’t played a match since Wimbledon, when Dimitrov retired while leading Jannik Sinner by two sets to love.
Failing to recover from injury in time, Dimitrov was forced to withdraw from the US Open, missing his first Grand Slam in 14 years.
Photo by Marleen Fouchier/BSR Agency/Getty Images
As the former world number three prepares to return to tennis in Shanghai, he has split with Jamie Delgado, his coach since 2022.
Taking to social media, Dimitrov sent Delgado a message, wishing him the best.
Grigor Dimitrov wishes Jamie Delgado the best as he plans to ‘start fresh’ without him
Posting an update on Instagram stories, Dimitrov had this to say about his now-former coach, Delgado.
“After a few years and great achievements together, Jamie Delgado and I have decided to part ways amicably,” he said.
“I wish him the best in his future endeavours.
Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
“I’m excited to start fresh after this time I’ve dedicated fully to my recovery.
“I’m looking forward to coming back to play soon.”
Under the guidance of Delgado, Dimitrov won his first title in seven years and qualified for his second and third Masters 1000 finals.
Grigor Dimitrov’s ATP Finals w/Jamie Delgado
Grigor Dimitrov’s ATP Finals w/Jamie Delgado
The Bulgarian also reached two Grand Slam quarterfinals, at the 2024 French Open and US Open.
In his final match with Delgado as coach, Dimitrov was on the verge of one of the biggest upsets in Wimbledon history, when he led the eventual champion Sinner, 6-3, 7-5, 2-2 on Centre Court.
Producing some of the best tennis of his career in that match, it comes as somewhat of a surprise to see Dimitrov move on from Delgado, with his return right around the corner…
Grigor Dimitrov is scheduled to return at the Shanghai Masters
Announcing his split with Delgado, Dimitrov said he plans to return to tennis ‘soon’.
Dimitrov is still listed as an entrant to the Shanghai Masters event, which begins on October 1, in China.
Assuming he doesn’t withdraw, the Bulgarian will look to mark his return with an impressive performance in Shanghai.
After struggling in Shanghai during the first few years of his career, Dimitrov quickly found his footing at the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the season.
Grigor Dimitrov’s last three Shanghai Masters performances
- 2017 Shanghai Masters – Grigor Dimitrov lost in QF to Rafael Nadal
- 2023 Shanghai Masters – Grigor Dimitrov lost in SF to Andrey Rublev
- 2024 Shanghai Masters – Grigor Dimitrov lost in 4R to Jakub Mensik
Dimitrov narrowly missed out on a place in the final of the 2023 Shanghai Masters when he fell to Russia’s Andrey Rublev in two tight sets, 6-7 [7-9], 4-6.
Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images
He then lost in a deciding set to Czech youngster Jakub Mensik in the fourth round 12 months ago.
Only time will tell if he can improve his 12-8 record at the Shanghai Masters in 2025, but it will certainly be worth tuning in for.