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United News of India
7 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Sinner reaches QFs after Dimitrov retires hurt
London, July 8 (UNI) 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. UNI BDN ARN
United News of India
07-06-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Sinner stuns Djokovic to reach first Roland-Garros final
Paris, June 7 (UNI) World No.1 Jannik Sinner produced a commanding performance to defeat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) in a gripping Roland-Garros semifinal on Friday night, halting the Serbian's pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. With the win, Sinner stretched his Grand Slam winning streak to 20 matches and his set tally to 29, advancing to his third consecutive major final after triumphs at the US Open and Australian Open. The 23-year-old Italian also became the first player born in the 2000s to reach the Roland-Garros final. Sinner now sets up a mouth-watering title clash on Sunday against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, marking the first men's Grand Slam final between two players born in the 2000s. The semifinal showcased a riveting battle between generations – the current standard-bearer in men's tennis versus the all-time Grand Slam leader. Djokovic, 38, was aiming to break new ground yet again, but despite moments of brilliance, he found himself outgunned by Sinner's ferocity and precision. From the onset, Sinner asserted control with aggressive baseline play and broke Djokovic early in the first set to take a 3-2 lead, sealing it 6-4. Djokovic, who had received treatment earlier in the tournament for a knee issue, fought valiantly and thrilled the spectators with vintage shotmaking, including a dazzling exchange in the second set that drew roars from Court Philippe-Chatrier. However, even when Djokovic broke back at 5-5 in the second set, Sinner responded with relentless pressure, reclaiming the momentum with a forehand drive volley and a second-serve ace to clinch the set 7-5. The third set turned into a dogfight, with Djokovic saving break points and holding three set points at 5-4. But Sinner, unshaken, saved them all and dominated the deciding tiebreak 7-3 to close out the match in just over three hours. Speaking after the match, Sinner hailed Djokovic as a "role model" and admitted the enormity of the occasion: "It was a special occasion for me, in a semifinal of a Grand Slam against Novak. I had to step up, I had to play the best tennis I could." Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles since 2008, including three at Roland-Garros, showed flashes of his enduring brilliance but was ultimately overpowered by the speed and shot-making of a younger rival whose rise now seems unstoppable. With this victory, Sinner joins the elite company of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray as one of the few men this century to reach three successive Grand Slam finals. The men's final on Sunday promises to be a generational clash between Sinner and Alcaraz, with the Italian seeking to avenge recent defeats and secure a second consecutive major title. UNI BDN ARN
