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The fourth-round clash between Jannik Sinner and Grigor Dimitrov ended in heartbreak for the latter, as the Bulgarian had to retire from the match during the third set, having taken a two-sets-to-love lead over the World No. 1. This marked the fifth consecutive time that Dimitrov could not complete a Major match due to injury.
Coming into the clash as a heavy underdog and trailing 1-4 against Jannik Sinner in the head-to-head, Grigor Dimitrov took an early 3-0 lead in the first set. He was able to drive that advantage forward and clinch the first set 6-3.
The Bulgarian did not take his foot off the pedal in the second set either, as he broke the Italian's serve in the very first game.
Both players held from there until the tenth game. At 5-4, Grigor Dimitrov had the opportunity to serve it out. That was the one moment in the whole match where he slipped up, as Sinner broke him for 5-5. However, the Bulgarian responded in style, winning the next two games to take the second set 7-5.
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With Sinner needing to mount an almost miraculous recovery under the closed roof, the third set began on serve. But after Dimitrov had won the point to make it 2-2, the Bulgarian collapsed on the ground, visibly in pain.
The medical timeout was promptly called, with Dimitrov leaving the ground momentarily to treat his injury for what appeared to be a pectoral muscle injury.
The Bulgarian came out soon, retiring from the match in tears, shocking the crowd and Sinner himself. Roger Federer, who was in the Royal Box, looked dismayed at the sudden turn of events.
"I just hope he has a speedy recovery" - Jannik Sinner on Grigor Dimitrov's injury
After the match was over, Jannik Sinner attended the usual on-court interview, but the Italian still appeared shocked by his opponent's sudden injury withdrawal. The Italian wished Grigor Dimitrov a fast recovery and confessed that it did not feel like a victory for him.
"But now, more than anything, I just hope he has a speedy recovery. It’s incredibly unfortunate from his side. I don’t take this as a win—it doesn’t feel like one. This is just a really sad moment for everyone who witnessed it. In the last few Grand Slams, he’s struggled a lot with injuries, and to see him dealing with that again is very tough. His reaction today showed just how much he cares about the sport. He’s one of the most hardworking players on tour, and it’s truly unfortunate what happened,” said Sinner in his on-court interview.
This is the fifth time that Grigor Dimitrov has retired in a Grand Slam, starting from his fourth-round match at Wimbledon last year, where he retired against Daniil Medvedev. He retired against Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinal in New York, followed by two retirements in Melbourne and Paris this year as well.
The last time Grigor Dimitrov did not retire at a Major was at the French Open, where he lost to Sinner in the quarterfinals. Having gotten through the next round, Sinner will now face Ben Shelton in the quarterfinal clash on July 9 (Wednesday).
