‘My pec, my pec' – Grigor Dimitrov breaks down in tears after horror Wimbledon injury and forced to retire vs Sinner
The Bulgarian, 34, was two sets up against world No.1 Jannik Sinner and looking to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time since 2014.
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Grigor Dimitrov retired against Jannik Sinner after hurting himself while serving
Credit: BBC
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He was seen screaming 'my pec, my pec' in agony
Credit: AP
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Dimitrov was in tears as he had to pull out in horrible scenes
Credit: BBC
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Roger Federer watched on concerned from the Royal Box
Credit: BBC
Yet as he closed out game four of the third set, to draw level at 2-2, with a 96mph ace, he pulled something in his right arm and shoulder.
Dimitrov collapsed to the floor in pain, clutching his right armpit and appeared to say "my pec, my pec" in reference to his pectoral muscle.
The No19 seed then went backstage for medical treatment before deciding he could not continue.
When he returned to the court to get his bags, he could barely lift his arm to shake the umpire's hand but he received a standing ovation for his efforts.
Roger Federer, the eight-time men's champion, looked aghast from the Royal Box as the drama unfolded in an arena where he has had so much success and joy.
It means Dimitrov's last five appearances at the majors – twice at Wimbledon, the US Open, Australian and French Open – he has had to quit mid-match.
What makes it equally disappointing is that Sinner was there for the taking because he had hurt his elbow in set two and was on the physical brink.
Sinner, 23, fell to the ground in game six of the second set when his right foot slipped on the slippery baseline.
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Instinctively, he put his right arm out to break his fall but hurt his elbow in the process of landing awkwardly.
The Italian took a medical timeout, at 3-2 to Dimitrov, and a trainer tried to massage the area around his sore elbow.
The reigning Australian and US Open champion was clearly in pain and at one point, uncharacteristically, he completely missed the ball with a swing of his racquet.
It was his good fortune that he did not have to attempt, against the pain, a five-set comeback as Dimitrov got crocked in unexpected fashion.
Sinner said: 'I don't know what to say because he's an incredible player. We all saw this today.
'He's been so unlucky in the past couple of years. An incredible player. A good friend of mine also. We understand each other very well off the court.
'Seeing him in this position, honestly if there would be a chance he could play the next round he would deserve it.
'But now mostly I hope he has a speedy recovery.
'Very, very unlucky from his side. I don't take this as a win at all. This is a very unfortunate moment to witness for all of us.
'I think in the last Grand Slams he has struggled a lot with injuries. To see him now having this kind of injury it's very, very tough.
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'We all saw this with his reaction, how much he cares about the sport, he is one of the most hard-working players on Tour.
'It's very unfortunate. Thank you for coming but this is not the end we wanted to see. It's very sad. We wish him all the best.'
Before set three, officials decided to shut the retractable roof in anticipation of bad light.
This decision was taken at around 8.20pm – as Sinner went backstage for some rest and treatment on his sore elbow.
The call did not go down well with two-time singles champion Andy Murray, who felt there was more than an hour to go before the light really deteriorated.
Murray said on X: 'So ridiculous to close the roof at this stage of the match.
'At least an hour of light left. Well over a set of tennis can still be played. It's an outdoor tournament!'
American Brad Gilbert – a former coach of Murray, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick – voiced his disapproval over the closure.
He said: 'This is day 8 of Wimbledon and the seventh time this tournament will finish under roof. Not for rain. Because of long matches. Never seen this happen before.'
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Dimitrov sobbed into a towel as he walked off court
Credit: BBC
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Dimitrov underwent a medical time-out but there was nothing that could be done
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Sinner had treatment on a troublesome elbow after a fall
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