Grigor Dimitrov Outlasts Matteo Berrettini in Five-Set Wimbledon Epic

Dimitrov back in last 16 after beating 2021 finalist Berrettini

Dimitrov outlasted Berrettini in an epic on Centre Court to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon 12 months after a pectoral tear ended his run.

Dimitrov’s Wimbledon comeback continues with gritty win over Berrettini...

Twelve months after an injury cut his Wimbledon run short, Grigor Dimitrov made it back to the fourth round on Saturday, outlasting Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3 in a five-set thriller and getting a shot to finish the story that slipped away last year.

Last year Dimitrov was forced to retire with a pectoral tear while 2-0 up against eventual winner Jannik Sinner in the last 16. The 35-year-old wildcard fought his way back to week two this time, taking out 2021 finalist Berrettini.

“I think after last year, the way I exited, I would have never known what would have happened, but guess what? ‌This year, I'm back here and I'm ⁠able to rewrite everything again,” Dimitrov said on court.

“I'm just trying to be completely honest here and vulnerable in front of you guys. I'm just trying. It's not about winning or losing. It's just for me to overcome every obstacle that I have in front of me, stay more in the present moment and enjoy moments like this.

“I ⁠repeated that more than a thousand times throughout the match today. It's not very often that you come out here and play here and I really don't know how many more times I'll be able to do ‌it so I might as well make the most out of it.”

Dimitrov dominated the first two sets on Centre Court, but Berrettini fought back to take the third and turn up the pressure.

A 15-minute delay to close the roof only seemed to disrupt Dimitrov further and add to his frustration.

Berrettini dragged the match back to two sets all, but Dimitrov produced his best in the fifth. He broke for a 3-1 lead with a stunning one-handed backhand down the line that had Centre Court on its feet.

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With the break in hand, Dimitrov quickly took control and closed it out with a comfortable service hold. He now moves on to face Britain’s Arthur Fery in the fourth round.

“I'm just looking forward to coming back and competing again,” Dimitrov added. “It's wonderful to be in the second week, and yeah, let's keep the good times rolling.”