Wimbledon star forced to halt on-court interview and chokes back tears | Tennis | Sport

Grigor Dimitrov had to stop his on-court interview after becoming too emotional following his Wimbledon second-round win over Jakub Mensik. Almost 12 months ago, the Bulgarian found himself two sets up against Jannik Sinner and on course to send him out of the competition, only to suffer a devastating pectoral injury that kept him out long-term.

Now back on the same stage, Dimitrov rallied to beat 15th seed Jakub Mensik 7-6(5) 4-6 7-5 6-3 and there was a huge outpour of emotion on Court 1. Not just from the player, but the fans inside the venue, who roared him on as a fan favourite, before Dimitrov himself had to step away momentarily while being interviewed.

“More emotions,” he said when asked how he felt. “I honestly don’t have much to say other than I’m so happy to be back and just play tennis in front of you guys. That’s it. It’s for me just… I’m very emotional and overwhelmed a bit at the moment. I’ll collect myself here.”

At this point Dimitrov had to move away from the microphone to compose himself as he fought back understandable tears.

“It’s just a great match today,” he continued. “All I wanted to do was come out and fight. That was my goal. I didn’t think about winning or losing. I didn’t even think about my body to that extent. You guys helped a lot. The atmosphere was spectacular as always. I feel so loved. So supported. Every time coming to Wimbledon is extra special to me. I want you guys to know that.

“I thank my team. I thank my friends. I thank my family. I thank my girlfriend who’s not here. But I’m sure she’s watching. I’m thanking everyone who’s been with me through that path. The last year has been so difficult.

“It’s not about winning or losing. It’s just about conquering myself and playing tennis just like that today, regardless of the outcome. Thank you for embracing me. Thank you for supporting me always. Thank you.”

He complained to the umpire at the end of the third set, when the roof was closed, as the conditions favoured Mensik and the moment became reminiscent of that horrifying injury a year ago.

“I got broken in the first game of the fourth set so that was not a great start,” he explained. “Listen, of course I looked up four or five times. I was hoping I was going to finish the match before the roof was about to close again. It was almost like Deja vu. All you can do is just smile at that. What happened in the past stays there. Embrace what comes next whether it’s good or bad. Today was all about that.”

He will face Matteo Berrettini, a rival who has undergone similar fitness issues in the past.

And when asked about that prospect, Dimitrov replied: “If nothing else, it’s gonna be a pretty match. I’m looking forward to it. I’m gonna enjoy right now, rest, and put myself in the best possible way to come back and battle out again. For now I’m just gonna enjoy and cherish the moment.”