Tennis isn’t just about showcasing skill and resilience; it’s as much mental as it’s physical. Players often find themselves faced with challenges that push them to their limits not only physically but also mentally. For many, the strain goes beyond the match, affecting their mindset in ways fans may not always realize. Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian tennis star, is the latest to open up about the mental toll the game can take.

The Bulgarian tennis sensation is currently gearing up to face Tommy Paul in the finals of the Stockholm Open. However, besides his remarkable run in the event, what captured the attention of the community is a sensational admission and a heartfelt appeal that came from the star player during an interview. 

Speaking to the press, Dimitrov opened up on facing adverse situations in his life. He revealed that it would be a lie if he claimed that he never witnessed distressing times. “I had severe moments of, you know, anxiety, panic attacks,” said Dimitrov. Continuing further, he said it would be good if athletes could open up to each other about their challenges.  

“Of course, I think, you know, it helps when you can talk to people and share. Even if it’s another tennis player, I would say we all should be more open to each other.  I know it’s difficult, I know it’s very individual sport, I know it’s brutal. But I mean, we are all human in general today, and we are not different than anyone else,” the 33-year-old shared.  This comes just a week after the world celebrated the Mental Health Day. Dimitrov shared his happiness for athletes who are coming to admit the mental stress that they face, he said that it should continue to increase. “We don’t speak about it often but I think we should. It’s not a weakness. I think it’s totally the opposite,” he added. Remember, this is not the first time that the star player has opened up about mental health. 

For Dimitrov, mental health is one of the crucial topics and he has talked about mental health issues time and again. Earlier, he revealed how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted him mentally and the repercussions he faced. “I started playing again but I was just not there – both physically and mentally – and I wasn’t prepared to do the hard yards,” Dimitrov said while talking about his recovery process. “You’re alone for about 20 days for 24 hours. I spent over 5,000 hours by myself. A lot of things are going through your head. It doesn’t matter how mentally strong you are as a person or athlete, it’s inevitable to get some bad thoughts in your head,” Dimitrov revealed in 2020. But the Bulgarian player has now learned to fight through challenges – about which he himself opened up during the conversation. 

When Grigor Dimitrov revealed the secret mantra to win over these challenges

Grigor Dimitrov has depicted immense resilience over the years. This trait has not just helped him overcome the challenges on the court, but it has also allowed him to maintain a positive outlook. The Bulgarian opened up about how he amalgamates positivity and belief to stay motivated. 

Speaking in an interview with the Australian Tennis Magazine, the star player shared, “I was thrilled with the way I was playing throughout the whole tournament. A lot of good wins, a lot of positive wins,” said Dimitrov, about his campaigns in 2023. “I need to stay positive and keep on believing that things will come out for me.” He also highlighted the importance of a determined outlook to achieve success. 

“The discipline, the hard work, you know, all the dedication, the adjustment to very different players throughout that time, I mean, you need to be able to do that on a constant basis. It’s been difficult. I had very, very difficult matches that I have lost … but I kept on believing.”

The star’s mental tenacity has definitely helped him recently. His incredible performance in Stockholm is a good expression of the result of his belief and determination. Do you think he would clinch the title? Let us know in the comments below: