Grigor Dimitrov's tennis wish: "We need to unite when it comes to health and mental health"

VIENNA—For seven years running, Grigor Dimitrov has opted to play the Erste Bank Open. It’s here in Vienna where the Bulgarian constantly finds his chi—the clean air, a good cup of joe and romantic architecture that captivates the eye, all contributing to the ideal energy.

“The city is great, so much history. I love the chance to go out and walk. It’s a very homey event and I like the feeling of that,” he tells TENNIS.com.

“I've developed a very good relationship with the tournament as well. Everyone here is so kind. They look after us in the best way possible. Herwig [Straka] as a tournament director is doing such a great job.”

Feeling at home is a meaningful matter for Dimitrov. Last week during his run to the Stockholm final, the 33-year-old revealed in a post-match press conference that he’s faced anxiety and panic attacks on the court during his career. He has contemplated retirement on three different occasions.

In following up with the world No. 9 on Wednesday, and noting the positive feedback his answer received, Dimitrov hopes his openness can help inspire more of his peers to be comfortable with bringing the mental health conversation to the forefront.

“I think a lot of players need to come through for that. We're a very individual sport, but we need to unite when it comes to health and mental health. There should not be any ranking, or where you're from judged,” he believes.

“It's just a topic that has always been lingering around in the background. It has not been addressed enough overall. It's up to the players and everyone around to address it, or not. I’m just speaking my heart on that. Whenever I'm asked, I'll always answer very promptly and honestly.”

Dimitrov has always been one to connect well with others. Even so, loneliness is an opponent that can handcuff anyone. As Dimitrov cautions, there is a fine balance between independently working through issues, and getting swallowed up by pure isolation.

“It's something that we need to understand, what is it exactly? If it’s loneliness, if it's something else that is bothering us just overall,” he says.

“Time alone is important to recognize this, but time spent completely alone on the other hand can be disruptive. I try to recognize things first and then try to address it with anyone that I feel close and connected to. That's what has always helped me go through certain moments in my life, my career.”

No one wakes up feeling their best 100 percent of the time. It’s inevitable, but locating one’s chi can go a long way. For the three-time Grand Slam semifinalist, breathing exercises and moving the body are vital to starting his day off right. A cup of coffee is “an absolute must,” too, as is interacting with family and getting outside when possible.

We're a very individual sport, but we need to unite when it comes to health and mental health. Grigor Dimitrov

Dimitrov trusts there are different strokes for different folks to achieve this, except for one universal condition.

“Find your balance early on just for yourself. No phone. That’s my biggest suggestion. No phone.”

Acknowledging self-care has seemingly paid off in more ways than one for Dimitrov. In a 2024 season that is sure to see him nominated for ATP Comeback Player of the Year, Dimitrov is in the running to qualify for Turin at No. 10 in the race coming into this week. He last appeared at the Nitto ATP Finals in 2017, when the Haskovo native lifted the biggest trophy of his career.

After a groin injury stalled his US Open bid in the quarterfinals of the season’s final Grand Slam event, his Asian swing was then limited to an appearance in Shanghai. Building back up in Stockholm, Dimitrov played four matches over four days as fellow Turin hopeful Tommy Paul ultimately emerged victorious.

Looking to keep the train running at this week’s ATP 500 event, Dimitrov began his Vienna title quest with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Zhang Zhizhen. While he hopes to find himself back at the season finale in a couple weeks’ time, whether that happens won’t impact how Dimitrov feels about where he is today.

“It’s a long year. It's a tough year. It’s a grueling year. Everybody is playing well and the competition is furious. To be able at this day and age to do that on such a level is something that I'm very appreciative for,” he says. “I'm encouraged by the challenge that I have in front of me every day, changing the surface, changing the courts, changing the balls and just everything all together.

“I really don't take it for granted. I don't know how long everything will last, but I will enjoy the ride. That's what I always say.”