Grigor Dimitrov has opened up on his battle with mental health issues throughout his tennis career, admitting he has suffered from anxiety, panic attacks and loneliness. The world No. 10 continued a memorable season by reaching the Stockholm Open final. During the run, he was transparent about his private struggles away from the court.

Dimitrov fell short against Tommy Paul in this afternoon’s final, losing 4-6 3-6 on Centre Court, but he has had plenty to celebrate in 2024.

Earlier this year, the 33-year-old became a top-10 player for the first time since November 2018 – ending a 260-week absence, the third longest in the Open Era.

He also became the first player born in the 1990s to achieve 300 hardcourt wins during his run to the US Open quarter-finals.

And Dimitrov became the second tennis star born in that decade to complete the career set of both Grand Slam and Masters 1000 quarter-finals, following Daniil Medvedev.

The Bulgarian’s exploits earned him a spot in the winning Europe team at the 2024 Laver Cup, and he continued his winning habits up until the final in the Swedish capital.

During his campaign, Dimitrov laid bare his personal battles away from the sport and urged his fellow athletes to speak out about their challenges more often.

“I had severe moments of, you know, anxiety, panic attacks,” Dimitrov told reporters during a press conference this week.

He added: “Of course, I think, you know, it helps when you can talk to people and share.

“Even if it’s another tennis player, I would say we all should be more open to each other.

“I know it’s difficult, I know it’s a very individual sport, I know it’s brutal. But I mean, we are all human in general today, and we are not different from anyone else.

“We don’t speak about it often but I think we should. It’s not a weakness. I think it’s totally the opposite.”

Despite tasting defeat in his 21st ATP career final and his fourth of the season, Dimitrov made more history earlier in his run in Stockholm.

By reaching the semi-finals with a win over Dominic Stricker, he recorded his 100th indoor win, a total he then made 101 against Tallon Griekspoor to progress to the final.

Dimitrov has already secured 40 wins in a second successive season, achieving that feat at the Shanghai Masters this month.

He will now be eager to finish the year strongly and hopes his honesty can encourage other world-leading tennis stars to join him in speaking out.