Tsvetana Pironkova was named Bulgaria’s 2020 Athlete of the Year. Pironkova reached the quarterfinals at the 2020 US Open after a 3-year break from tennis due to maternity. At the French Open, she reached the third round.

Journalists from 40 media organizations voted on five-short listed candidates.  Pironkova won the vote convincingly, easily beating other contenders, wrestler Edmond Nazaryan, boxer Kubrat Pulev, sambist Maria Oryashkova, and swimmer Yosif Miladinov.

It is a privilege for me to be among the legendary figures, winners in the 63-year history of “Athlete of the Year”. I am grateful for the great love from all of you, which I have always received and in especially large doses since my return to the court. The feeling is really great. Thanks to all sports journalists who voted for me in the most prestigious poll for Bulgarian sports.

-Tsvetana Pironkova

There was no award ceremony due to the pandemic.  The organizers said Pironkova would receive the award after the pandemic measures are relaxed.

Pironkova’s best result at a grand slam came in 2010 when she reached the semifinals at Wimbledon. She also reached a career-high ranking of 31 in singles that year.

In July 2016, she married former Bulgarian soccer player Mihail Mirchev. The couple welcomed a baby boy, Alexander, in April 2018.

Grigor Dimitrov has voted the Fan Favorite Player award. Dimitrov was named the Best Athlete in 2014 and 2017. 

Dimitrov won the 2017 ATP Finals. He has reached the semifinals a grand slam three times. He reached a career-high ranking of world number 3 in 2017.