Grigor Dimitrov’s wretched luck in Grand Slams continued as for the fifth time in as many Majors, the Bulgarian was forced to retire mid-way through a game due to an injury. The one at the ongoing Wimbledon — a pectoral injury — was perhaps the most painful one for Dimitrov, he was leading by two sets (6-3, 7-5, 2-2) against world no 1 Jannik Sinner when he collapsed on the floor hurt. After a short time out, he had to retire since the injury was near his playing arm.
At that stage, the 34-year-old Dimitrov had been firing firebolts on his serve: he had 14 aces compared to Sinner’s four by that stage.
The retirement caused a wave of shock in the stands, where tennis legend Roger Federer also looked shell-shocked as a tearful Dimitrov walked over to the chair umpire to shake his hand. Wincing in pain, Dimitrov extended his right hand towards the umpire with the help of his left hand, while wincing in pain. Then, he sunk his face in his towel as he cried. Sinner made his way to his opponent at this point and helped him pack his bag, in a heartwarming gesture. Sinner then walked off the court with Dimitrov before making his way back for the on-court interview.
IN VISUALS: heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes at Wimbledon
Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov clutches his chest with an injury which forced him to retire injured from a fourth round men’s singles match against Italy’s Jannik Sinner at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov gets treatment after he went down with an injury which forced him to retire injured from a fourth round men’s singles match against Italy’s Jannik Sinner at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Italy’s Jannik Sinner, left, assists Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov after he went down with an injury which forced him to retire from a fourth round men’s singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Italy’s Jannik Sinner checks on Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov after he went down with an injury during a fourth round men’s singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov reacts after he was forced to retire with a chest injury from a fourth round men’s singles match against Italy’s Jannik Sinner at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
WATCH: Emotional scenes at Wimbledon as Dimitrov retires injured
A sight we never want to see.
Grigor Dimitrov is forced to retire while leading two sets to love. Everyone at #Wimbledon is wishing you a speedy recovery, Grigor 💚💜 pic.twitter.com/qBwiMbq3e2
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2025
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“I don’t take this as a win at all, this is just an unfortunate moment for all of us to witness,” said Sinner, who did not seemed relieved at staving off shock exit from the Grand Slam. “He has struggled in the last Grand Slams with injuries a lot, so seeing him again with this injury is very tough. We all saw by his reaction how much he cares about the sport. He is one of the hardest-working players on tour and it is very unfortunate.”
Sinner spoke more about his own disappointment at watching the game end like that.
“Unlucky for him, he was playing incredible tennis for two sets and it’s not the way you want to finish a match,” Sinner said in a short press conference,” he said.
A series of unfortunate injuries
Wimbledon 2024: Dimitrov slipped and fell, thus hurting his knee in the first set of his fourth-round clash against Daniil Medvedev.
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US Open 2024: Dimitrov retired in his quarter-final clash against Frances Tiafoe citing physical issues.
Australian Open 2025: A groin injury meant that Dimitrov could not continue his first round match.
French Open 2025: A serious leg injury in his first-round match led to him not just retiring from the tournament, but also being out of action till the ongoing Wimbeldon.
Wimbledon 2025: Dimitrov was leading by two sets against world no 1 Jannik Sinner when a pectoral injury forced him to retire.
