Grigor Dimitrov's Wimbledon dream ends in tears
's
Wimbledon
journey came to a heartbreaking end as injury forced him to retire during his fourth-round match against
Jannik Sinner
. The Bulgarian star broke down in tears after sustaining an apparent elbow injury early in the third set, unable to continue despite receiving medical attention.
It marked the fifth consecutive
Grand Slam
in which Dimitrov has been unable to complete a match. The unfortunate streak includes retirements at this year's Australian Open and French Open, as well as last year's Wimbledon and US Open.
Top seed Sinner had cruised through Wimbledon without dropping a set until falling behind No. 19 seed Dimitrov 6-3, 7-5. However, with the match level at 2-all in the third set, Dimitrov suddenly stopped playing and was forced to retire due to injury.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon)
Dimitrov, who had been in strong form throughout the tournament, was visibly emotional as he left the centre court to a standing ovation. Sinner advanced to the quarterfinals, but the victory came in somber fashion.
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On what turned out to be his final point, Dimitrov served and instantly grabbed at his chest, grimacing in discomfort. He took a few steps before lowering himself onto the grass.
— janniksin (@janniksin)
After being evaluated courtside by a trainer and doctor - with Sinner kneeling nearby in concern - Dimitrov walked off with medical staff. Minutes later, he returned only to inform officials he couldn't continue, bringing the match to a premature close.
Ironically, it was Sinner who had appeared vulnerable earlier. In the match's opening game, the top seed slipped behind the baseline and landed awkwardly, using his right hand to break the fall. Trailing 2-3 in the second set, he received a medical timeout and was visibly in pain as a trainer worked on his elbow. His coaches, Darren Cahill and
Simone Vagnozzi
, looked on anxiously from the players' box.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon)
What began as a battle between two in-form contenders ended in mutual adversity, with Sinner advancing and Dimitrov leaving in heartbreak.
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