Grigor Dimitrov has contemplated retirement three times: “I don't know how long everything will last, but I will enjoy the ride”

VIENNA—Last week, during his run to the Stockholm final, 33-year-old Grigor Dimitrov 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 at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna—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 told TENNIS.com in an exclusive interview.

“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.”

Dimitrov entered the week at No. 9 in the world rankings, with a 43-16 record. 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.

“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,” he says.

“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.”