Grigor Dimitrov forced to retire in opening French Open match

The world No. 17 was leading 6-2, 6-3, 2-6 against 106th-ranked Ethan Quinn on Court 6 at Roland Garros when a thigh injury rendered him unable to continue.

Dimitrov looked on course for a convincing first-round French Open win after outclassing the 21-year-old American qualifier in the first two sets.

However, Dimitrov's level dropped after he sustained an injury during the third set. He took a medical timeout and - after losing the final four games of the set - shook hands with his opponent.

Unfortunately for Dimitrov, being unable to complete matches at Grand Slams due to his body breaking down has become a painfully regular occurrence.

The Bulgarian has become the first male player in the Open Era to retire mid-match at four successive major tournaments.

At the 2025 Australian Open, Dimitrov was forced to retire in the second set of his first-round match with Francesco Passaro.

The 34-year-old was also unable to finish his 2024 US Open quarter-final against Frances Tiafoe and his 2024 Wimbledon last 16 clash with Daniil Medvedev due to injuries.

Dimitrov has now retired during a match an improbable nine times in his 58 appearances at Grand Slam tournaments, with seven of these retirement losses coming at his last 17 majors - starting with the 2021 French Open.

Dimitrov, who was a quarter-finalist at last year's French Open, has dropped 390 points after his opening round exit at the Paris Grand Slam.

The former world No. 3 has dropped from 17th to 19th in the Live ATP Rankings and could slip further depending on how players ranked below him perform at Roland Garros.

Quinn will face world No. 103 and lucky loser Alexander Shevchenko in the second round.

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