London, July 8 . In one of the most astonishing turnarounds seen at Wimbledon in recent years, Jannik Sinner reached the quarterfinals today after Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire mid-match while leading by two sets, in a fourth-round clash that defied belief on Centre Court.
The drama began in the very first game, when Sinner, the top seed, slipped during a routine slide and jarred his elbow. Though he continued, his trademark service rhythm deserted him, and the match quickly tilted in Dimitrov’s favour. The Bulgarian surged ahead, winning the first two sets with authority and appearing poised to make his first Wimbledon quarterfinal since 2014.
But just as Dimitrov looked to close in on a famous victory, disaster struck. At 2-2 in the third set, the No.19 seed suddenly clutched his right pectoral muscle and collapsed to the grass, visibly in pain. Though he had just held serve, he was nearly in tears. Treatment was attempted, but it became clear he could not continue. Barely able to lift his serving arm, Dimitrov was forced to retire, his fifth consecutive mid-match retirement at a Grand Slam.
“I don’t take this as a win at all,” Sinner told the Centre Court spectators. “He has been so unlucky in the past couple of years. He is a good friend of mine. We all saw from his reaction how much he cares. He is one of the most hard-working players on tour. This is not the end we wanted to see. We all wish him only the best. Let’s give all our applause for him.”
The match had begun with high intensity, as Dimitrov held serve in a six-minute opening game. Sinner, whose serve had remained unbroken through 36 service games across the first three rounds, immediately showed signs of distress. By the start of the second set, he lost the first eight points and needed a medical timeout at 2-3. A painkiller and massage helped momentarily, but Dimitrov continued to dominate, breaking again to seal a two-set lead.
With the Centre Court roof closed as the light faded, the contest seemed firmly in Dimitrov’s grasp. Among those watching in the Royal Box was Roger Federer, the eight-time Wimbledon champion whom Dimitrov was once nicknamed “Baby Fed” for his similar playing style. It seemed fitting that Dimitrov might script a comeback on this stage.
But fate had other plans. In heartbreaking scenes, the 34-year-old left the court to a standing ovation, his Wimbledon hopes dashed yet again by injury.
Sinner, though clearly subdued, advances to the last eight where he will face American Ben Shelton, one of the most dangerous servers on tour. The Italian knows the path forward is only getting tougher—on court, and in spirit.
. . A.
