"It's a good night": Grigor Dimitrov dazzles at Paris Masters in return from Wimbledon injury

When Grigor Dimitrov went down injured at Wimbledon, it was unclear if he would step on court again during the 2025 season. On Monday, that question was answered in a triumphant return to action at the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the season.

Making his debut at La Defense Arena, the new home of the Rolex Paris Masters, Dimitrov pulled away from Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard for a 7-6 (5), 6-1 victory.

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around the whole time away from the court. It was never easy,” Dimitrov reflected with ATP Media afterwards. “I knew that coming to competition was going to be a difficult task. I just wanted to come out and test myself, give myself a chance.

“It’s a good night. I’m taking it in.”

🖥️📲 Full Replay: Dimitrov vs. Mpetshi Perricard, Paris Masters

Both players were under fire early on serve, though staved off the pressure moments. Mpetshi Perricard attempted to disrupt the Bulgarian’s rhythm by constantly coming forward, a tactic that never came together for the 22-year-old.

In the tiebreak, Dimitrov generated an immediate mini break by looping his crosscourt forehand pass with enough of a dip to draw a volley error. Two surprise forehand miscues by the former world No. 3 briefly let the home favorite back in at 4-5, but another poor trip to the net allowed Dimitrov to regain the advantage and serve it out.

By now, it was clear Dimitrov had a strong read on the unraveling six-foot-seven Frenchman. The 2023 finalist went on a four-game run, earning a double break with a nasty low backhand slice that handcuffed Mpetshi Perricard in no man’s land.

A third break sealed the victory when Mpetshi Perricard's forehand sailed long. Dimitrov ended his night with 26 winners to 21 unforced errors, whilst keeping his opponent to just a seven for 23 success rate in net points won.

“I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew is that I had to look at on my side of the net and really control what I could,” he said.

“It’s such an amazing crowd and towards the end of the year, you really feel that energy... I feel very appreciated all around. That gives me great gratitude just to be back.”

At the season’s third major, Dimitrov led then-world No. 1 Jannik Sinner by two sets on Centre Court. But in the fifth game of their fourth-round encounter, the three-time Grand Slam semifinalist’s dreams were instantly dashed when he suffered a partial tear in his right pectoral muscle. As Dimitrov was forced to retire at a fifth consecutive major event, Sinner went on to claim his maiden Wimbledon crown.

The Bulgarian, who improved to 18-11 on the year, awaits the winner of former champion Daniil Medvedev and last week’s Basel semifinalist Jaume Munar. Dimitrov is also entered in the doubles event this week with Nicolas Mahut. The holder of a career Grand Slam in doubles, 43, is playing his final tournament.