Grigor Dimitrov’s Wimbledon hopes came to a heartbreaking end as he was forced to retire due to a pectoral injury, marking his fifth consecutive Grand Slam where he’s quit mid-match because of a physical issue.
A Promising Start Cut Short
The match against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner was looking incredibly promising for Dimitrov. He was leading by two sets to love, with scores of 6-3, 7-5, and was level at 2-2 in the third set.
The Bulgarian was in top form, especially with his serve. He had already fired 14 aces, significantly more than Sinner’s four, showcasing his powerful play before the injury struck.
Emotional Scenes on Centre Court
Midway through the third set, Dimitrov collapsed to the court, clutching his chest. After a brief medical timeout, it became clear he couldn’t continue. The injury, located near his playing arm, was too severe.
The retirement sent a wave of shock through the stands, with tennis legend Roger Federer visibly stunned. A tearful Dimitrov walked to the umpire, wincing in pain, before sinking his face into a towel, visibly distraught.
Sinner’s Heartfelt Sportsmanship
In a truly heartwarming moment, Jannik Sinner immediately went to Dimitrov’s side. He helped his opponent pack his bag and then walked off the court with him, displaying immense respect and empathy.
During his on-court interview, Sinner was quick to dismiss any sense of victory. “I don’t take this as a win at all, this is just an unfortunate moment for all of us to witness,” he stated.
Sinner expressed deep sympathy for Dimitrov’s ongoing injury woes. “He has struggled in the last Grand Slams with injuries a lot, so seeing him again with this injury is very tough,” he added, acknowledging Dimitrov’s dedication to the sport.
A Recurring Nightmare
This retirement is particularly painful for Dimitrov as it continues a worrying pattern. It marks the fifth straight Grand Slam tournament where he has been forced to withdraw due to injury, hindering his ability to compete at the highest level consistently.
“Unlucky for him, he was playing incredible tennis for two sets and it’s not the way you want to finish a match,” Sinner concluded, reflecting the collective disappointment felt by fans and players alike.
- Grigor Dimitrov retired injured from Wimbledon while leading world No. 1 Jannik Sinner by two sets.
- This marks his fifth consecutive Grand Slam withdrawal due to injury.
- Jannik Sinner displayed remarkable sportsmanship, comforting Dimitrov after the retirement.
- Dimitrov was in excellent form, serving 14 aces before his pectoral injury.
The tennis world extends its well wishes to Grigor Dimitrov for a swift recovery, hoping to see him back on court soon without further setbacks.
