As Grigor Dimitrov battled to another significant victory on his return to Wimbledon, 12 months on from his devastating injury-enforced exit, he began to feel an ominous sense of deja vu.
Almost a year to the day that Dimitrov left Centre Court in tears after being denied the chance to complete a spectacular victory over world number one Jannik Sinner, the roof began to close on Court One.
Before a 10-minute break to close the Centre Court roof in 2025, the Bulgarian, once nicknamed ‘baby Fed’ because of the similarity of his game to the great Roger Federer, had been playing some of his best tennis in years.
As the wildcard closed in on a superb four-set victory over Czech 15th seed Jakub Mensik on Thursday, Dimitrov’s mind naturally flashed back to the night which has defined his journey since.
“I looked up four or five times, hoping that I was going to finish the match before they decided to close the roof,” Dimitrov said.
“It was almost like deja vu, but all you can do is smile. What happened in the past stays there and I have to embrace what comes next, whether it is good or bad.”
But there was to be no heartbreak this time.
Just as after his opening victory, the 35-year-old once again became emotional as he addressed the crowd which had roared him on throughout the 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-5 6-3 win which secured his place in the third round – and a meeting with Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.
“I’m very emotional and a little bit overwhelmed at the moment. All I wanted to do is just come out and fight, that was my goal. I didn’t even think about winning or losing, I didn’t even think about my body to that extent,” Dimitrov said.
“The atmosphere was just spectacular as always. I feel so loved and so supported everywhere in the world, but coming to Wimbledon is extra special for me and I want you guys to know that.
“The path here has been so difficult. It is all about conquering myself and playing tennis like I did today, regardless of the outcome.”
