Sinner Advances to Wimbledon Quarterfinals After Dimitrov Retires

Jannik Sinner reaches the Wimbledon quarterfinals after Grigor Dimitrov retired with a pectoral injury. Sinner will now face Ben Shelton in the next round.

Jannik Sinner advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals after Grigor Dimitrov retired due to a pectoral injury. Sinner dominated the match, leading 6-3, 7-5, 2-2, and expressed sympathy for his injured opponent. Dimitrov had been in control, winning the first two sets and holding serve with an ace in the third, before suddenly falling to the ground in pain.

Sinner showed empathy as he stayed by Dimitrov's side while the Bulgarian received treatment for his pectoral injury. Dimitrov eventually retired, receiving a standing ovation from the Centre Court crowd as he walked off. Sinner expressed admiration for his opponent, saying, “I don't know what to say because he's an incredible player. I think we all saw this today.” This was a poignant moment, given Dimitrov's struggles with injuries, having withdrawn from his past four Grand Slams.

Grigor Dimitrov was two sets up but forced to retire due to injury — Jannik Sinner advances to the quarter-finals.#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/qI0Susqryw

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) July 7, 2025

“He's been so unlucky in the past couple of years. He's an incredible player, a good friend of mine also, and we understand each other very well off the court too.

“Seeing him in this position... if there would be a chance that he could play in the next round, he would deserve it. Now I hope he has a speedy recovery. Very, very unlucky from his side.”

Grigor Dimitrov is forced to retire while leading 2 sets to 0 over the World No.1 Jannik Sinner 💔

Heartbreak for the 34-year-old Bulgarian 😭 pic.twitter.com/kvCR0TQoce

— TNT Sports (@tntsports) July 7, 2025

“I don't take this as a win at all... just an unfortunate moment to witness for all of us.”

Sinner, who hadn't dropped serve in 36 games, was broken early by Dimitrov, who took a 2-0 lead. The 34-year-old Bulgarian played near-flawless tennis, stunning the crowd as he closed out the first set 6-3.

"I don't take this as a win at all."

Jannik Sinner was full of respect for his friend Grigor Dimitrov after he was forced to retire.#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/bQTsxUM8Mu

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 7, 2025

Sinner's troubles worsened when he took a medical timeout in the second set due to a right elbow issue, which flared up after a fall earlier in the match. Despite this, Dimitrov continued to impress, shaking off a service break deficit late in the set to double his lead.

Sinner fought back in the third set, but the match ended abruptly due to Dimitrov's injury retirement. The Italian will now face American 10th seed Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals.