Devastated Dimitrov retires injured while leading Sinner at Wimbledon

A heartbroken Grigor Dimitrov left Wimbledon in tears after being forced to retire with injury while leading world number one Jannik Sinner in their fourth-round clash.

The 33-year-old Bulgarian was producing inspired tennis and led 6-3 7-5 2-2 in an enthralling contest before disaster struck.

Dimitrov fell to the floor clutching his right pectoral muscle immediately after serving an ace. Sinner, showing sportsmanship, rushed across the net to check on his opponent as medical staff quickly arrived.

An emotional farewell

Dimitrov received treatment in his chair and briefly left the court for further assessment. When he returned, he was visibly emotional and in tears as he shook hands with Sinner and the umpire before leaving to a standing ovation from the Centre Court crowd.

Barely able to lift his right arm, Dimitrov acknowledged the fans with a small wave in a heartbreaking end to what had been one of his best performances in recent years.

This marks a devastating exit for the Bulgarian, who was attempting to reach his first Wimbledon quarter-final since 2014.

Sinner advances but concern lingers

Sinner advances to the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the third straight year but admitted it was a “sad way to finish the match”.

“Grigor was playing incredible tennis today,” said Sinner. “It’s very tough to see him go out like this and I wish him a speedy recovery.”

What’s next?

Jannik Sinner will now face the winner of the match between Denmark’s Holger Rune and Germany’s Alexander Zverev for a place in the semi-finals.

For Dimitrov, the extent of his injury remains unclear, but his Wimbledon journey ends in heartbreak after showing glimpses of his vintage best on the lawns of SW19.