Big Wimbledon reprieve for Sinner

Dimitrov injury lets Italian off the hook

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Jannik Sinner progressed to the Wimbledon quarterfinals on Monday after a tearful Grigor Dimitrov pulled out injured while in total control of the match while Novak Djokovic survived a scare.

World No.1 Sinner and seven-time champion Djokovic remain on course for a mouthwatering semifinal clash but the top seed’s match on Centre Court was overshadowed by Dimitrov's heartbreak.

The Italian was staring at the exit door trailing 3-6, 5-7, 2-2 before the Bulgarian 19th seed pulled up holding his right pectoral muscle and was unable to continue.

Sinner rushed to his aid but his 34-year-old opponent was barely able to wave to acknowledge the crowd's warm ovation.

“Honestly I don’tknow what to say,” said Sinner. “He is an incredible player, I think 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 too.

“Seeing him in this position, honestly, if there would be a chance that he could play the next round, he would deserve it.”