LONDON – Sad scenes on Centre Court: injured and in tears, Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire while leading Jannik Sinner by two sets to love.
The Bulgarian was playing some of his best aggressive tennis in the Wimbledon fourth round when he appeared to tear a muscle while serving. The scoreboard read 6-3, 7-5, 1-2 in his favour. He was up 40-0 when he suddenly felt a sharp pain.
Looking confused, he served again, landed an ace at three-quarter speed. Won the game and then sat down on the grass clutching his right pectoral with his left hand.
“I don’t consider this a win,” said the world No. 1 afterward, still visibly shaken during his on-court interview.
Dimitrov was treated by Argentine ATP physio Alejandro Resnicoff. Meanwhile, cameras caught Roger Federer watching from the Royal Box, visibly concerned — just like Dimitrov’s team and the rest of the crowd.
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“Roger’s face was all of us watching the game. He would have won if he could’ve continued playing. A heartbreaking scene,” read one of the comments on CLAY’s Instagram, posted by a follower.
Dimitrov headed to the locker room for further examination, and when he returned, his face said it all: tears in his eyes, he approached his opponent and shook his hand as best he could.
Then, he made his way to the umpire’s chair and, with the help of his left hand, extended his right to greet the official.
Shocking scenes on Centre Court: Dimitrov forced to retire with a right pectoral injury. pic.twitter.com/MzmAU7QKAz
— Clay (@_claymagazine) July 7, 2025
He said goodbye to the crowd and, crouching down, his crying intensified. For the fifth consecutive Grand Slam, the former world No. 3 was forced to retire.
Sinner accompanied Dimitrov off the court. He then had to return for the post-match interview as required by broadcast rights.
“Grigor deserved to play the next round,” said Sinner.
The Italian will advance and will seek a spot in the semifinals against North American Ben Shelton this Wednesday at the All England Club.
