Top 44 Bulgarian Tennis Players in the Best Player of All Time

Max Schnur

Welcome to the world of Bulgarian tennis! Bulgaria is a small country tucked away in the south-eastern corner of Europe, but it has produced some of the best tennis players in the world.

From the legendary Manuela Maleeva to current stars Grigor Dimitrov and Tsvetana Pironkova, Bulgaria has a rich history in the sport. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best players to ever come out of Bulgaria.

We’ll discuss their achievements, career highlights, and their current rankings. So, if you’re a fan of Bulgarian tennis, read on to discover the best of the best!.

1. Grigor Dimitrov

Grigor Dimitrov is a Bulgarian professional tennis player born on 16 May 1991. He is currently ranked among the world’s best players, having achieved a career-high ranking of No. 3 in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).

This makes him the highest-ranked Bulgarian player in history. Dimitrov is best known for his strong serve and return game, as well as his ability to compete at a high level in both singles and doubles.

His notable wins include the 2017 ATP Finals, the 2014 Wimbledon Men’s Doubles, and the 2019 ATP Cup. He has also been a semifinalist at the French Open, Australian Open, and U.S.

Open, making him one of the most successful Bulgarian tennis players. Dimitrov has been a consistent figure on the ATP Tour, consistently competing at a high level. He has shown great resilience over the years, overcoming various obstacles such as injuries and lack of confidence.

His determination and hard work has allowed him to reach the heights he has today. Dimitrov is an inspiration to many aspiring tennis players and his success has made him a household name in Bulgaria.

He is a great asset to the Bulgarian tennis community and is an example of what hard work and dedication can do.

2. Tsvetana Pironkova

Tsvetana Kirilova Pironkova is a professional tennis player from Bulgaria. She is widely regarded as one of the best grass court players of her generation and has gained recognition for her strategic approach on the surface.

Her success on grass has been highlighted by her impressive result at the Wimbledon Championships, where she has reached the semifinals on multiple occasions.

Pironkova is known for her “cerebral” style of play, which is a testament to her ability to think ahead and anticipate her opponents’ shots. Her serve is also renowned for its accuracy and power.

She has an impressive all-around game, which has helped her to become a very successful grass-court player.

Pironkova has been a consistent presence on the WTA Tour, making the quarterfinals of Grand Slams and reaching the semifinals at the prestigious Wimbledon Championships multiple times. In addition, she has won the singles titles of both the WTA and ITF Tours.

Her success on grass has been remarkable, as she has challenged some of the greatest players in the world. Overall, Tsvetana Kirilova Pironkova has established herself as one of the best grass court players of her generation.

Her commitment to the sport, combined with her “cerebral” approach, have enabled her to reach great heights on the surface. Her impressive results at Wimbledon are a testament to her skill and talent.

3. Magdalena Maleeva

Magdalena Georgieva Maleeva is a former professional tennis player from Bulgaria. She had a successful career on the WTA Tour, playing both singles and doubles matches from April 1989 to October 2005.

During her sixteen-year career, Maleeva managed to win a total of ten singles titles, with her best singles ranking being world No. 4. Maleeva was able to achieve great success in her career, with her first singles title coming in 1993 at the German Open in Hamburg.

She went on to win nine more singles titles, including two at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow in 1998 and 1999. Additionally, she reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in 1997, as well as the semifinals of the Australian Open in 1995.

Maleeva’s career was marked by her consistent performance at the Grand Slams, reaching at least the round of 16 in each of the four majors. She also competed in many doubles tournaments, winning five titles with various partners.

Maleeva was known for her strong two-handed backhand and consistent ground strokes. Overall, Magdalena Georgieva Maleeva was a successful professional tennis player from Bulgaria.

She was able to win ten singles titles and reach the quarterfinals of the French Open and the semifinals of the Australian Open. Her best singles ranking was world No. 4, and she competed in both singles and doubles tournaments throughout her career.

Maleeva was well-known for her strong two-handed backhand and consistent ground strokes.

4. Sesil Karatantcheva

Sesil Radoslavova Karatantcheva is a professional tennis player from Bulgaria. She has achieved success on the ITF Women’s Circuit, winning nine singles titles throughout her career. Her highest singles ranking was world No. 35, which she attained on 7 November 2005.

Additionally, her best doubles ranking was No. 154, which she earned on 19 April 2010. Karatantcheva has showcased her talent on the court, winning various tournaments on the ITF Women’s Circuit. Her success has led to her achieving a world ranking of No. 35 in singles, and No.

154 in doubles. This shows her consistency and ability to compete at a high level in both singles and doubles tennis. Karatantcheva is an example of a successful professional tennis player who has achieved great success on the ITF Women’s Circuit.

Her hard work and dedication have paid off as she has been able to reach the highest rankings possible in both singles and doubles play. She continues to strive for more success in her career.

5. Katerina Maleeva

Katerina Georgieva Maleeva is a highly accomplished athlete. She has had a successful career as a professional tennis player, representing Bulgaria on the WTA Tour. Maleeva achieved great success during her career, reaching a career-high ranking of No.

6 in 1990 and winning a total of eleven singles and two doubles titles on the Tour. Maleeva’s achievements on the court are impressive, as she managed to reach the top 10 in the WTA rankings despite the competitive nature of the sport at the time.

Maleeva was able to stand out from the crowd and make a name for herself through her hard work and dedication. Her success on the court has earned her a place in the history of Bulgarian tennis and she is an example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.

6. Manuela Maleeva

Manuela Georgieva Maleeva-Fragnière is a professional tennis player from Bulgaria, who had a successful career on the WTA Tour between 1982 and 1994.

She is one of the most successful Bulgarian tennis players of all time, having achieved a ranking as high as fifth in the world. Maleeva began her career representing Bulgaria on the tour, but things changed when she married in 1990.

From that point forward, she began to represent Switzerland officially and continued to do so until her retirement in February 1994. Throughout her tennis career, Maleeva won a total of 17 singles titles and 16 doubles titles.

She reached the finals of the French Open in 1983 and 1989 and was also a semifinalist at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Maleeva was also a member of the Bulgarian national team that won the Fed Cup in 1988. Maleeva’s career may have ended in 1994, but her legacy in the sport of tennis remains.

She is widely considered to be one of the best players of her generation, and her impressive record of titles and accomplishments still stands today.

7. Elena Pampoulova

Elena Pampoulova was a Bulgarian tennis player who had a professional career that lasted from 1988 until 2001. During her career, she achieved a great deal of success, winning one singles title and three WTA doubles titles.

Her greatest achievement in singles was reaching a world ranking of No. 62 in September 1996, which is still a remarkable accomplishment. Additionally, she reached a career-high doubles ranking of No. 38 in the same month.

Pampoulova was a resilient and talented player, as evidenced by her impressive rankings over the course of her career. Despite her success, however, she was never able to win a major tournament.

Nevertheless, she was able to achieve a great deal and her career was a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.

8. Adrian Andreev

Adrian Andreev is a talented professional tennis player from Bulgaria. On August 7, 2023, he achieved his highest singles ranking of World No. 185 on the ATP professional tour. In 2018, he won the US Open Junior doubles title along with his teammate Anton Matusevich.

On September 12, 2022, Andreev also achieved his highest doubles ranking of World No. 584. His impressive rankings show that Andreev is a player to be reckoned with on the tennis court.

Not only is he a successful singles player, but his success in the doubles game also highlights his ability to excel in both. His accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

9. Dimitar Kuzmanov

Dimitar Kuzmanov is a professional tennis player from Bulgaria. He has been competing on the ATP Challenger Tour, which is the second-highest level of professional tennis, for many years. His highest singles ranking is No. 159, which he achieved on 29 August 2022.

His best doubles ranking is also quite impressive, at No. 438, which he achieved on 1 April 2019. Kuzmanov has had an impressive career in tennis and is known for his impressive skill and hard work.

He has worked hard to achieve these rankings and is constantly striving to improve. He has been able to consistently compete at the highest levels of professional tennis and has been able to make a name for himself in the sport.

Kuzmanov’s dedication to the sport of tennis is admirable and he is an inspiring role model for aspiring tennis players. His success is a testament to the hard work and dedication he has put into the sport.

He has been able to achieve great success in tennis and is an example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.

10. Petr Nesterov

Petr Nesterov is a highly accomplished Bulgarian tennis player. He has achieved an impressive career-high ranking of World No. 672 in singles tennis, which he attained on 12 June 2023.

This ranking is especially commendable, given that the ATP singles rankings are highly competitive and difficult to attain. Furthermore, Nesterov has also achieved his highest doubles ranking of No. 383 on 17 July 2023.

This ranking is similarly impressive, indicating that he is a well-rounded player with impressive skill in both singles and doubles tennis.

Overall, Petr Nesterov is an extremely accomplished Bulgarian tennis player who has achieved several impressive rankings in both singles and doubles.

11. Gabriel Donev

Gabriel Donev is a professional Bulgarian tennis player. He has achieved a career-high singles ranking of 782 on the ATP Tour, which he attained on October 7th, 2019.

In addition, he has achieved a career-high doubles ranking of 701 on the ATP Tour, which he attained on July 18th, 2022. In addition to his success on the ATP Tour, Donev also represents Bulgaria in the Davis Cup. In this competition, Donev has a winning/losing record of 0–2.

This means that he has lost two matches, but has yet to win a match in the Davis Cup. Overall, Gabriel Donev has enjoyed success on the ATP Tour, but he has struggled to translate this into success in the Davis Cup.

As a result, he will need to work hard to improve his record in international competition if he is to succeed in the future.

12. Alexandar Lazarov

Alexandar Lazarov is a professional Bulgarian tennis player. He has had a successful career, achieving the highest singles ranking of No. 272 on the 14th of November 2022. This ranking is considered impressive for a tennis player of his level.

Additionally, he has achieved his best doubles ranking of No. 359 on the 3rd of February 2020. This is a testament to his abilities both in singles and doubles play, and he has become one of the most respected players in Bulgaria.

He continues to strive for success in his tennis career, and his fans continue to cheer him on.

13. Alexander Donski

Alexander Donski is a Bulgarian tennis player who has achieved a great deal of success in his career. His highest ranking in singles was No. 525, which he attained on April 11, 2022. In the doubles competition, he has achieved an even higher ranking of No.

248, which he reached on October 3, 2022. In the singles category, Donski has won two ITF World Tour titles, a remarkable feat considering the competition at the highest level of the game.

His performance in the doubles category is even more impressive, having won a total of ten titles. This is a testament to his dedication and hard work in the sport, and his success has not gone unnoticed.

It is clear that Alexander Donski is a talented tennis player and his accomplishments are a source of pride for Bulgaria. He has shown a remarkable ability to compete at the highest level and his achievements are something that many can look up to.

With a career-high ranking in both singles and doubles, it is safe to say that Alexander Donski is a player to watch in the future.

14. Aleksandrina Naydenova

Aleksandrina Naydenova is a former professional tennis player from Bulgaria. She was highly successful in her career, achieving a top singles ranking of 218 according to the Women’s Tennis Association.

This was her highest individual ranking, and it was achieved on September 9, 2019. Additionally, she had a great doubles ranking of 95, which was her highest and was achieved on September 25, 2017.

Naydenova was a well-regarded tennis player in her prime, and her rankings speak to her successes. She was able to achieve her highest singles ranking in 2019, and her best doubles ranking in 2017.

These accomplishments are a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. Her success has inspired many other Bulgarian athletes and has set a high standard for future players to strive for.

15. Isabella Shinikova

Isabella Shinikova is a professional Bulgarian tennis player who has achieved a great deal in her career. On 20 February 2017, she achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 133, which is an impressive feat in itself.

Not only this, but she also peaked at No.159 in the WTA doubles rankings on 20 May 2019. What’s more impressive is that she also plays for the Bulgaria Fed Cup team, and as of July 2023, she has an impressive win-loss record of 17-22.

This shows her dedication and determination towards the game and the success of her career. It is clear to see that Isabella Shinikova is a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis.

16. Elitsa Kostova

Elitsa Kostova is a former Bulgarian professional tennis player who enjoyed a successful career. She achieved her highest WTA singles ranking of number 130 on 12 September 2016, and her best doubles ranking is world number 154, achieved on 26 October 2015.

On top of her own personal success on the court, she also represented her country as part of the Bulgarian Fed Cup team, where she has a win-loss record of 16-18.

This highlights the skill and talent she possessed throughout her career, as she was able to make an impact both in singles and doubles. Kostova’s career was certainly an impressive one, and her career achievements prove that.

17. Dessislava Mladenova

Dessislava Svetoslavova Mladenova is a former Bulgarian professional tennis player who had an impressive career, despite never reaching the highest echelons of the sport. On 6 October 2008, she achieved her highest WTA singles ranking of No.

684, which is a remarkable feat considering the level of competition in professional tennis. Furthermore, her best doubles ranking was 388 on 5 May 2008, which is another impressive achievement as doubles is often seen as a more challenging and competitive event.

During her career, she also won three doubles titles on the ITF Circuit, which shows her talent and dedication to the game. All in all, Mladenova had a successful career that was full of great accomplishments.

18. Ivaylo Traykov

Ivaylo Traykov is a former professional tennis player who hails from Bulgaria. He is considered a pioneer in the sport, having been among the first to bring widespread attention to tennis in his home country.

Traykov is most known for his impressive career in singles and doubles tournaments. He won numerous titles throughout the course of his career, making him one of the most decorated Bulgarian tennis players ever.

Traykov began playing tennis at an early age, and his skill and dedication quickly became evident. He quickly rose to the top of the Bulgarian tennis scene, winning multiple national championships.

He then took his career to the international level, competing in tournaments around the world. His success in the sport was tremendous, and he was eventually inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1997. Traykov’s legacy in the sport is undeniable.

He helped to bring tennis to the forefront in Bulgaria, and his success on the court has been an inspiration to many. Even today, Traykov’s name is still synonymous with the sport in the country, and his career is looked upon as a model for aspiring tennis players.

19. Martina Gledacheva

Martina Svetozarova Gledacheva is a former professional tennis player from Bulgaria. She enjoyed a successful career, reaching her highest singles ranking of world No. 399 in September 2011. Her highest doubles ranking was No. 502, which she achieved in May 2011.

In May 2012, Gledacheva played her last match at the ITF Circuit tournament in Florence, Italy. Throughout her career, Gledacheva was known for her powerful groundstrokes and impressive volleys.

She was also a threat from the baseline, consistently pushing opponents to the limit with her strong, consistent play. Gledacheva was also known for her fighting spirit, never giving up on a point until the very end.

Gledacheva’s last match in Florence was a fitting end to her career, as she put up a valiant effort but eventually fell to her opponent. Although she retired from professional tennis, Gledacheva’s legacy will live on.

Her powerful play and fighting spirit will remain a source of inspiration for future generations of Bulgarian tennis players.

20. Dia Evtimova

Dia Evtimova is an accomplished Bulgarian tennis player. She has achieved a great deal in her career, evidenced by her WTA singles ranking of 145 on October 31, 2011, which is the highest she has reached.

Her success in doubles is also noteworthy, as her best ranking was 228 on June 23, 2014. Evtimova has played in over 550 matches on the professional circuit, earning her 42nd place on the List of Open Era players and 10th place among all active players.

This is a remarkable feat, as it demonstrates Evtimova’s consistency and longevity in the sport. The Bulgarian tennis player has definitely made her mark in the world of professional tennis.

Her impressive rankings and accomplishments demonstrate her skill and dedication to the sport. She is an inspiration to aspiring tennis players, and her success is a testament to her hard work and determination.

21. Dalia Zafirova

Dalia Kirilova Zafirova is a former professional tennis player from Bulgaria. She has had a successful career in the sport, representing her country in the Fed Cup team.

On 21 September 2009, her career reached its peak when she achieved her highest singles ranking of 499 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

In November 2013, she also achieved her best doubles ranking of 410. Throughout her career, Dalia Kirilova Zafirova has accomplished a great deal in the sport of tennis.

She has been a proud member of the Bulgaria Fed Cup team and has achieved both her highest singles ranking and her highest doubles ranking in the WTA. Through her hard work and dedication, she has been able to become one of the best tennis players from Bulgaria.

22. Biljana Pawlowa-Dimitrova

Biljana Pawlowa-Dimitrova is a former professional tennis player from Bulgaria who achieved a great deal of success during her career. Her highest ranking in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles rankings was 490, which she achieved on October 16, 2006.

She also achieved a career-high WTA doubles ranking of 301 on April 20, 2009.In 2009, she was initially called up to the Bulgaria Fed Cup team, but her debut did not take place until 2010.

She was part of a larger team and was supported by them throughout her career, allowing her to reach her peak performance. Biljana Pawlowa-Dimitrova was a talented player who achieved great success during her time as a professional tennis player.

She was able to reach a peak WTA singles ranking of 490 and a peak WTA doubles ranking of 301. She was called up to the Bulgaria Fed Cup team in 2009 and made her debut in 2010.

Her success on the court was a testament to her skill, determination, and hard work, and she will be remembered as a great player.

23. Radoslav Lukaev

Radoslav Lukaev is a former tennis professional from Bulgaria who has experience competing in the Grand Slam event. He earned his spot in the 2002 US Open through a series of qualifying matches against Éric Prodon, Jaroslav Levinský, and Peter Luczak.

In the first round of the US Open, Lukaev was matched up against Russian Nikolay Davydenko and put up a good fight, but lost in four sets. This marked the furthest Lukaev had ever gone in a Grand Slam event.

Throughout his career, Lukaev proved to be a formidable opponent on the court, showing his skill and determination in his qualifying matches and beyond.

24. Milen Velev

Milen Velev is a former professional tennis player who achieved great success in his native Bulgaria. Velev had a successful career on the ATP Tour, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 38 in the world.

He had a total of 11 ATP Tour singles titles to his name, as well as 4 doubles titles. Velev was a consistent presence in the top 100 rankings of the ATP singles list for many years and was a regular fixture at the Grand Slams.

He reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon in 1996 and made the fourth round of the Australian Open twice.

He also competed at the French Open and US Open several times but never made it beyond the second round. Velev’s achievements also include several titles in his home country, such as the Bulgarian National Championship, the Bulgaria Open, and the Sofia Open.

In addition, he was the runner-up at the Monte-Carlo Open in 1997. Velev retired from professional tennis in 2002 and has since been involved in a number of charitable and philanthropic activities.

He established the Milen Velev Foundation which supports children in need and works to improve the lives of children and families in Bulgaria. He is also a regular presence at tennis events in his country, often lending his support to up-and-coming tennis players.

25. Tihomir Grozdanov

Tihomir Ruslanov Grozdanov is a former professional Bulgarian tennis player. He enjoyed a successful career as a professional tennis player and achieved a number of impressive feats. On 30 December 2013, Grozdanov reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of 394.

This was an incredible accomplishment for Grozdanov, considering the level of competition in professional tennis. Additionally, Grozdanov was also successful in the doubles game, reaching a best of 545 on 17 January 2011.

This was a remarkable achievement for Grozdanov, as it showed his versatility as a tennis player and demonstrated his ability to excel in both singles and doubles.

Grozdanov’s success on the court is a testament to his hard work, determination, and talent, and he has certainly left his mark on the sport of tennis.

26. Petar Trendafilov

Petar Trendafilov is a former professional Bulgarian tennis player who has achieved significant success in his career. On 10 February 2014, he reached his all-time highest ATP singles ranking of 825, which was an impressive accomplishment.

Additionally, he achieved his best doubles ranking of 660 on 3 November 2014. This is an indication of his talent and dedication to the sport of tennis. Petar Trendafilov’s commitment to the sport is evident.

He has demonstrated a great deal of success in both singles and doubles play which is something that not many professionals can boast.

His highest singles ranking of 825 and highest doubles ranking of 660 show that he was able to achieve a high level of success in both areas. The Bulgarian tennis player has also been able to maintain his rankings over time.

By consistently competing and winning matches, Petar Trendafilov was able to remain at the top of the professional tennis rankings for a period of time.

This is a testament to his dedication and determination to succeed in the sport. Overall, Petar Trendafilov is an excellent example of a professional tennis player who has been able to achieve a great deal of success in his career.

His highest ATP singles ranking of 825 and highest doubles ranking of 660 are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. It is clear that Petar Trendafilov is an impressive player, and his success serves as an inspiration to many aspiring tennis players.

27. Ilia Kushev

Ilia Kushev is a former professional tennis player who hails from Bulgaria. He had a successful career as a tennis player, playing for Bulgaria in the Davis Cup multiple times. On August 16, 2004, he achieved his highest ATP singles ranking, which was 285.

His best doubles ranking was 234, also on August 16, 2004. In 2006, Kushev married Vesela Tomova, a tennis coach. The couple have since gone on to have a successful marriage, with both of them having dedicated their lives to the sport of tennis.

Kushev has been able to use his tennis expertise to help others, and Tomova has been able to help her students reach their full potential. The couple is a great example of how two people with a shared love for tennis can come together and create something special.

28. Dinko Halachev

Dinko Halachev is a professional tennis player of Bulgarian descent. He was most successful in his career in 2010, when he achieved his highest ATP singles ranking of 857, which placed him among the world’s top tennis players.

His highest ATP doubles ranking was 512, achieved in 2013. Apart from his professional tennis career, Halachev is also known to be an associate of Keith Tarter, a professional tennis coach and mentor.

With Tarter’s guidance and support, Halachev was able to reach the top rankings of his sport, which has earned him recognition in the tennis world. He is also known for his strong work ethic and dedication to the sport, which have contributed to his success.

29. Boris Nicola Bakalov

Boris Nicola Bakalov is a former professional Bulgarian tennis player. He is well known for his accomplishments in the sport, having achieved a career-high singles ranking of 621 on November 21, 2011 and a career-best doubles ranking of 457 on July 4, 2011.

Aside from his impressive tennis career, he also graduated from the prestigious Azusa Pacific University in 2006. This demonstrates his commitment to excellence, both on and off the court.

Bakalov’s career accomplishments are even more impressive when considering the fact that he was competing in an international sport. He was able to reach the highest level of professional tennis in Bulgaria, which is no small feat.

His ability to reach these heights speaks to his skill, dedication, and hard work. Bakalov’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He has been praised by many for his achievements in tennis and for his commitment to excellence in his studies.

He is an inspiration to other athletes and students, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to success. Boris Nicola Bakalov is a great example of a successful professional athlete.

His commitment to excellence on the court and in the classroom should be admired and celebrated. He is an inspiration to many aspiring athletes and students, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to success.

30. Orlin Stanoytchev

Orlin Stanoytchev is a well-known figure in the world of tennis. He was born in Bulgaria and had a successful career as a professional tennis player.

Stanoytchev won numerous awards and titles over the course of his career, including two Grand Slam singles titles at the French Open and Wimbledon Championships. He also achieved success in doubles, winning five Grand Slam titles with partner Goran Ivanisevic.

Stanoytchev was highly regarded for his athleticism and skill and was the first Bulgarian to be ranked in the world’s top five. He was ranked number four in the world in singles and was also part of the first Bulgarian team to make it to the Davis Cup Finals.

Throughout his career, Stanoytchev was known for his all-court style of play, which utilized a powerful serve and volleys, as well as a strong baseline game.In recent years, Stanoytchev has transitioned out of professional tennis and into coaching.

He has been coaching the Bulgarian national team since 2013 and was also the coach of the Swiss team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Stanoytchev is widely respected in the tennis world, both for his skill as a player and for his knowledge as a coach.

He is a true icon of Bulgarian tennis and a role model for aspiring players everywhere.

31. Plamen Milushev

Plamen Milushev is a professional tennis player from Bulgaria. He began his career as an ATP player in 2014, with a career-high singles ranking of No. 955 achieved on 8 December of that year. His highest doubles ranking came four years later when he peaked at No.

966 on 17 December 2018. Milushev has since been steadily climbing the ranks in both singles and doubles. He has taken part in various ATP tournaments, including the Bulgarian Open and the ATP Challenger in Istanbul, Turkey.

His most recent ATP tournament was the 2021 Turkish Open in Antalya, where he reached the quarter-finals in the singles and the semi-finals in the doubles. Milushev is known for his aggressive play style and his precise shot-making on the court.

He has won several ATP titles in singles and doubles and is on track to become one of the top Bulgarian tennis players ever.

32. Vasil Shandarov

Vasil Shandarov is a professional tennis player from Bulgaria. He is currently ranked 1603 in the world in the ATP singles ranking, which is his highest ranking to date and was achieved on June 22, 2015.

Shandarov also has a career-high ATP doubles ranking of 1445, which he achieved on December 11, 2017. This is an impressive feat for the Bulgarian athlete, as it shows his dedication and skill in the sport of tennis.

Shandarov has been competing in professional tennis tournaments since 2014 and has had many successes throughout his career. He has won several tournaments and has consistently been ranked within the top 1000 players in both singles and doubles.

He is also a member of the Bulgarian national tennis team and is often seen representing his country at international tournaments. Shandarov’s dedication and hard work has paid off, as he has achieved a remarkable career-high ranking in both singles and doubles.

He is a role model for aspiring tennis players and a source of inspiration for others who strive to reach their goals. His accomplishment is an example that anything is possible if you put in the dedication and effort.

33. Radoslav Shandarov

Radoslav Shandarov is a professional Bulgarian tennis player. He is most known for his accomplishments in the doubles game, reaching a career-high ATP doubles ranking of 1445 in December 2017.

Shandarov made his ATP main draw debut at the 2018 Sofia Open in Bulgaria, partnering with his brother Vasil Shandarov. This was a remarkable achievement for the brothers, as Radoslav was an alternate in the main draw.

This means that he was not originally selected for the main draw, but was called in to replace an injured player. The match was a success for the brothers; they showed their skill and determination and were able to come away with a victory in the end.

This has increased Radoslav’s popularity in the tennis world, and he is now considered a rising star in the sport. His success in the ATP main draw will undoubtedly open up more opportunities for him in the future, and his fans are eagerly waiting to see what he can do next.

34. Dimitar Kutrovsky

Dimitar Kutrovsky is a former professional tennis player from Bulgaria who has retired from the sport. He achieved success throughout his career, reaching his highest singles ranking of 293 in the ATP rankings on 18 May 2015.

His best doubles ranking was 234 on 10 August 2015. Before he was a professional, Dimitar Kutrovsky played for the CSKA club as a junior. He had further success in 2003 when he was ranked 28th in the European Tennis Association rankings for boys under 16 years old.

This accomplishment speaks to his talent and dedication towards the sport. Overall, Dimitar Kutrovsky had a successful career as a tennis player, achieving great heights in both singles and doubles play.

His greatest success came in 2003 when he was ranked 28th in the European Tennis Association rankings. He has since retired from the sport, but he will always be remembered for his accomplishments in the tennis world.

35. Alexandar Lazov

Alexander Lazov is a Bulgarian tennis player who had a successful career. He achieved his highest singles ranking of 324 in 2015, and his best doubles ranking was 314 in 2017.

He was particularly successful in 2012, as he won the Men’s Bulgarian Championship by defeating Tihomir Grozdanov. This success was a major milestone in his career, and it cemented his place among the top Bulgarian tennis players.

His remarkable success has been a great source of inspiration for aspiring tennis players in Bulgaria, and it has shown that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.

36. Lubomira Bacheva

Lubomira Bacheva is a former professional tennis player from Bulgaria. She began playing tennis at a young age and competed on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour from 1992 to 2002. Bacheva had a successful career, reaching her highest world ranking of No.

68 on 1 November 1999. During her career, she won four singles titles and reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in 1996. Batsheva also competed in the doubles draw of major tournaments, winning one doubles title.

After retiring from tennis in 2002, Bacheva has continued to work in the sport, serving as a coach for the Bulgarian national tennis team and providing private coaching services.

Her experiences and dedication to the sport have made her a respected figure in Bulgaria’s tennis community.

37. Julia Terzijska

Julia Terziyska is a professional tennis player from Bulgaria. She has achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 306, which she reached on 15 February 2016. This is her highest ranking to date.

In addition to her singles success, Terziyska has also achieved a high doubles ranking of No. 238 on 5 August 2019. To date, Terziyska has won 12 singles titles and 15 doubles titles on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Women’s Circuit.

This is a testament to her skill and dedication to the game. Her success on the ITF Women’s Circuit is evidence of her expertise and commitment to the sport.

Julia Terziyska is a talented and successful tennis player and shows great potential for continued success in the future.

38. Borislava Botusharova

Borislava Botusharova is a former professional tennis player from Bulgaria who made the transition to college tennis at Old Dominion University. Prior to her first semester of college, Botusharova was ranked as the No. 6 Newcomer/Freshman in the NCAA.

This honor indicates that she was one of the top newcomers in the NCAA at the time, and it demonstrates the level of her skill as a tennis player.

Botusharova has had a successful career as a professional tennis player, and she has been able to translate her success over to the college game. She is a testament to the hard work and dedication that is required to succeed at the highest level of tennis.

She has been able to make the transition to college tennis with relative ease, and her ranking as the No. 6 Newcomer/Freshman in the NCAA speaks volumes about her skill and potential.

39. Matei Pampoulov

Matei Pampoulov was a highly successful Bulgarian tennis player in the 1990s and 2000s. He was one of the most successful Bulgarian tennis players of all time, winning several ATP titles in singles and doubles.

Pampoulov was born in Bulgaria in 1967 and began playing tennis at an early age. He quickly rose up the ranks of the professional tennis circuit and eventually reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 21 in the world.

He won a total of six ATP singles titles and two ATP doubles titles during his career. Pampoulov was also successful in doubles, reaching the finals at the French Open in 1998 and the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2000.

In addition to his singles and doubles success, Pampoulov also represented Bulgaria in Davis Cup play and captained the Bulgarian team from 2007 to 2012.

After retiring from tennis in 2011, Pampoulov has continued to be involved in the sport, serving as a coach and mentor to young Bulgarian players.

40. Bozhidar Pampoulov

Bozhidar Pampoulov is a name that many tennis fans will remember. He is a former professional tennis player from Bulgaria who had a successful career in the sport. Pampoulov began playing tennis in his home country and went on to become one of the top players in the world.

He competed in many tournaments all over the world, including the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon. Pampoulov was known for his strong serve and powerful backhand.

He was also a great strategist and was able to adjust his game to whatever situation he found himself in.

He was also known for his ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. Pampoulov achieved a career-high ranking of number 30 in the world and won three ATP singles titles.

He also reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in 1996 and the fourth round of the Australian Open in 1997.

After his retirement in 1999, Pampoulov continued to stay involved in the sport as a coach and mentor to the next generation of Bulgarian tennis players. Today, Pampoulov is remembered as one of the most successful tennis players to come out of Bulgaria.

His legacy lives on in the memories of his fans and in the success of the young players he has mentored.

41. Dora Djilianova

Dora Lane is a former professional tennis player from Bulgaria. She was born in Bulgaria and began her tennis career there, competing under her birth name Dora Djilianova.

She was a successful tennis player in Bulgaria, winning several tournaments and playing in the highest level of Bulgarian tennis. After becoming a professional tennis player, she moved to the United States and changed her name to Dora Lane.

She continued to compete in tennis tournaments in the United States, playing in both the WTA and ITF circuits. She achieved some success in the US, reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open in 2007. She retired from professional tennis in 2009 after a successful career.

Dora Lane is now a tennis coach in the United States, helping to guide the next generation of tennis players.

42. Petia Arshinkova

Petia Arshinkova is a former professional Bulgarian tennis player who achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 476 by the WTA on 29 July 2019. During her career, she was able to win one singles title and three doubles titles on the ITF Women’s Circuit.

In 2018, Arshinkova made her Fed Cup debut for Bulgaria, which demonstrates her skill as a tennis player. She was able to compete at an international level and achieved success throughout her career.

Arshinkova is an excellent example of a professional athlete who was able to excel as a tennis player and represent her country at the highest level.

43. Galia Angelova

Galia Angelova is a prominent figure in the world of professional tennis. She is a Bulgarian native who competed at the highest level of the sport for many years. Angelova began her career in the mid-1980s, playing in professional tournaments both in Bulgaria and abroad.

She quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the top players on the international circuit. Her greatest success came in the late 1990s when she reached the quarter-finals of the French Open and the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

She also achieved several impressive wins over some of the biggest names in the sport, including Steffi Graf, Jana Novotna, and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario. Although Angelova retired from professional tennis in the early 2000s, her impact on the sport is still felt today.

She is widely recognized as one of the best players to ever come out of Bulgaria and her influence can be seen in many of the up-and-coming players from the country.

As well, she was one of the first Bulgarian athletes to garner international attention, paving the way for other Bulgarian athletes to make their mark on the world stage. Her legacy lives on in the world of professional tennis.

44. Dimana Krastevitch

Dimana Krastevitch-Rangelov is a retired professional tennis player from Bulgaria. He is a former top-50 player in the world rankings, and he achieved his career-high ranking of 38 in 1993.

He won four ATP Tour titles in his career, and he was a mainstay in the top 100 players in the world for most of the 1990s. Dimana was well known for his powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style, and he was a regular feature in the main draws of ATP Tour events.

He won his first title in Stuttgart in 1991, and his last title came in 1999 at the Marseille Open. He reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 1995, and he was a semifinalist at the Rome Masters in 1998.

He also represented Bulgaria in the Davis Cup from 1992 to 2000, and he helped the team reach the World Group playoffs in 1998.

Dimana Krastevitch-Rangelov retired from professional tennis in 2000, and he is widely considered to be one of the greatest players to have come out of Bulgaria.

Conclusion

Bulgaria has produced some of the world’s most impressive tennis players in recent years. From the likes of Grigor Dimitrov to Tsvetana Pironkova, Bulgaria’s tennis players have made their mark on the international tennis scene.

With the continuous support of the government and the Bulgarian Tennis Federation, Bulgaria’s best tennis players will continue to make waves in the years to come.

Photo of author

Max Schnur

I am a professional tennis player on the ATP Tour. I am currently ranked at #29 in the world and have been playing for more than ten years. I started practicing tennis when I was five years old and quickly became obsessed with the sport. I started playing competitively at age 10, and after turning pro in 2004, I was able to compete on the ATP Tour for a decade. As an international athlete, my life has always been about travel and my love of traveling has led me to explore different cultures around the world. When not on tour, I can be found traveling around Europe or living it up in Las Vegas with friends from all over the globe! LinkedIn