Bulgarian President Rumen Radev awarded honorary plaques to tennis players Ivan Ivanov and Alexander Vassilev during an official ceremony at the presidential palace on Monday.

Ivanov was honoured for winning the Boys’ Singles title at this year’s Wimbledon Championships, marking a major milestone in his junior career. Sixteen-year-old Ivanov claimed the title last week with a flawless performance, not dropping a single set throughout the tournament — a feat that mirrors Grigor Dimitrov’s 2008 junior Wimbledon triumph.

Alexander Vassilev also received recognition from the President for reaching the semi-finals of the Wimbledon junior competition. Both players have made significant moves in the world junior rankings, with Ivanov now officially ranked world No.1 in the ITF junior rankings (under 18), and Vassilev climbing to fourth.

"Your achievement in reaching the top of the world rankings is a remarkable success. It reflects not only your unquestionable talent, willpower, and dedication, but also embodies the strength and indomitable spirit of the Bulgarian people," President Radev said during the ceremony.

The news was first reported by Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) “Horizont”.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova

Posted in English by E. Radkova