Dimitrov Retires Injured in Emotional Wimbledon Exit Against Sinner

Pec muscle injury ends Bulgarian’s campaign, marks fifth straight Slam retirement…

JAKARTA, July 8, 2025— Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov was forced to withdraw midway through his fourth-round match against Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon due to a right pectoral injury, in what became an emotional and somber moment on Centre Court.

The 33-year-old veteran, who had been enjoying a strong grass-court season, was trailing 5-7, 2-5 when he approached the umpire and signaled he could no longer continue. Moments later, he shook hands with Sinner, waved briefly to the crowd, and walked off with clear discomfort—bringing his campaign to a heartbreaking end.

Fifth consecutive Grand Slam retirement

The injury marks Dimitrov’s fifth consecutive retirement from a Grand Slam match, raising serious concerns about his long-term fitness. Despite showing flashes of brilliance earlier in the tournament, the physical toll appears to be mounting for the former world No. 3, whose silky playing style has long been admired across the tennis world.

“It’s tough to see,” said Sinner after the match.

“Grigor is such a great player and person. I know how hard he’s been working. No one wants to win like this.”

Sinner advances, but mood remains subdued

While the Italian world No. 1 Jannik Sinner progresses to the quarter-finals, his reaction was one of empathy rather than celebration. Speaking to press afterward, Sinner emphasized the respect he holds for Dimitrov and acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment.

“Sometimes sport can be cruel,” he said.

“Grigor was playing really well. I just hope he recovers quickly.”

Sinner now moves forward to face either Hubert Hurkacz or Alex de Minaur, but the lasting image of the day was Dimitrov’s quiet, pained departure from a court where he has produced some of his most memorable performances.

A career defined by elegance—and resilience

Dimitrov, once hailed as the “next Federer” for his all-court game and graceful movement, has endured a career full of peaks and setbacks. His repeated struggles with injury in recent years have been particularly difficult, especially given his late-career resurgence over the past two seasons.

As fans stood to applaud him off the court, there was a sense that this might not just be the end of a tournament run—but potentially a turning point in a storied, if often interrupted, career.