Grigor Dimitrov is pulling out of one of the most important tennis tournaments of the year. The 34-year-old Bulgarian player, who's dating Eiza González, has officially pulled out of the US Open, with tournament officials confirming the news.
Dimitrov is currently ranked 21 in the ATP rankings and has ranked highly throughout his career, holding the number 3 spot at his highest. The decision to drop out of the tournament seems related to the injury he acquired while playing in Wimbledon, where he had to forfeit a match against Jannik Sinner after hurting his right pectoral muscle.
Dimitrov was leading against Sinner 2 sets to love. After Dimitrov dropped out, Sinner went on to win Wimbledon. The moment was a heartbreaking one, with Dimitrov crying on the court and receiving applause from the audience.
González shared her support for her boyfriend, posting a statement on her Instagram stories. She shared a photo of Dimitrov, dressed in white and hitting the tennis ball on the Wimbledon court.
"Love of my life. I couldn't be more proud of you. You are BEYOND outstanding," she wrote. "This is just a moment that will pass and will make you even stronger. But watching you today alongside the world was a reminder of who YOU are. You're a winner. We all saw it. And you'll do it again. I love you."
Various channels shared videos of Dimitrov leaving the court, with González dropping some encouraging words. "A WINNER," she wrote in one of the videos. "He will build an even better story. Stronger inside and out."
More details about González and Dimitrov's relationship
González and Dimitrov began dating earlier this year, with her breaking the news of their relationship on an Instagram post celebrating Dimitrov's birthday.
"Happiest bday to the man of my dreams," wrote González. "You're one of one. You truly are my absolutely favorite human, and I can't believe I've been lucky enough to find you. You've restored so much in me I didn't think was possible."
"To the kindest, most thoughtful, and caring man. I admire every inch of the human you are and are becoming. I cannot wait to celebrate many, many more. I love you, G."
It's unknown when the two first started dating, but they were first linked together publicly when González attended one of his games in April of this year, at the Madrid Open. Cameras captured Dimitrov greeting some people in the stands, with González leaning close to him for a quick kiss on the cheek.