Jannik Sinner Reaches Wimbledon Quarter-Finals After Grigor Dimitrov Retires Injured Despite Two-Set Lead
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has advanced to the Wimbledon quarter-finals after Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire due to injury, despite leading by two sets.
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Grigor Dimitrov was reduced to tears after an injury forced him to retire while leading Jannik Sinner by two sets, ending his hopes of reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
The 34-year-old had taken a commanding 6-3, 7-5 lead and appeared poised to upset the world No. 1, but collapsed in pain at 2-2 in the third set, unable to continue.
Sinner was the first to rush to Dimitrov’s aid as the Bulgarian appeared to clutch his right pectoral in pain before being assisted to his chair.
Dimitrov later left the court for medical evaluation but returned shortly after, offering an immediate handshake to Sinner, signaling his withdrawal from the match.
With the victory, Sinner advances to the quarterfinals, where he will face American Ben Shelton, who earlier defeated Lorenzo Sonego 3-6, 6-1, 7-6, 7-5.
“I’m at a loss for words. He’s an incredible player — we all saw that today,” Sinner said during his on-court interview.
“He’s had some tough luck over the past few years. He’s not only a phenomenal player but also a good friend. We have a great understanding of each other.”
Sinner now advances to the quarterfinals, where he will face American Ben Shelton, who earlier defeated Lorenzo Sonego 3-6, 6-1, 7-6, 7-5.
“Given his performance, if there’s a chance for him to play in the next round, he’s earned it.”
Dimitrov, whose career has often been hindered by injury, came out firing in the opening set—serving six aces, winning 95% of points on his first serve, and converting 11 of 13 net approaches. He outpowered, outthought, and outmaneuvered Sinner to take the set comfortably.
His dominance continued with an early break in the second, and for a moment, it seemed Sinner’s hopes were fading fast.
The 23-year-old was forced to take a medical timeout after the third game of the second set, receiving treatment on his right arm—an apparent injury from a fall earlier in the match.
Cleared to continue, Sinner seemed to turn the tide at 5-5 with a passionate celebration after breaking back. But Dimitrov hit back immediately, sealing a break with a stunning return before serving out the second set.
The third set stayed even until Dimitrov, in visible pain, sat on the grass clutching his chest. After a brief trip to the locker room, he returned only to retire from the match. Sinner advanced, but not in the way he would have hoped.
“I don’t take this as a win at all. This is just a very unfortunate moment for us to witness for all of us,” Sinner added on-court.
“In the last Grand Slams, he struggled a lot with injury and seeing this now again, with this type of injury, it’s very tough.
“W,e all saw his reaction, how much he cares about tennis. He’s one of the hardest-working players on the tour.
“It’s very unfortunate. This is not the end we wanted to see, and it’s very sad.
“We all wish him the best.”
