Dimitrov distraught as he retires leading Sinner 2-0

World No 1 progresses after injury forces his opponent out

- ALEX PATTLE, LAWRENCE OSTLERE

Grigor Dimitrov led by two sets when he retired from his Wimbledon match against Jannik Sinner, with an injury costing him a probable upset against the world No 1 yesterday.

Dimitrov held a 6-3 7-5 lead against Sinner in their fourth-round match on Centre Court, but at 2-2 in the third set, the Bulgarian clutched his chest and fell to the grass after a serve, struggling with a pectoral muscle injury.

Dimitrov, 34, was checked by physios on the grass and then courtside, where he broke down in tears. He left the court for a couple of minutes before returning and declaring to his opponent and umpire that he could not continue. He was clearly devastated and wept into his towel.

The retirement was Dimitrov’s fifth in a row at a grand slam, and the tears flowed as Sinner helped him off the court, carrying the Bulgarian’s bags.

“I don’t take this as a win at all,” said Sinner in his post-match interview, having checked on Dimitrov both on the grass and courtside. “I don’t know what to say. He is an incredible player, we all saw this today. He’s been so unlucky in the past couple of years.

“An incredible player and a good friend of mine off the court. Seeing him in this way... If he could play in the next round, he would honestly deserve it. I hope he has a speedy recovery, very unlucky from his side and a very unfortunate moment for us to witness.

“I think already in the last grand slams he struggled with injuries, seeing him with this is very tough: his reaction, how much he cares about the sport, he's one of the most hard working on tour. It's very sad, we wish him all the best and give him [the] applause.”

Ironically, it was Sinner who was battling an injury earlier in the match, having hurt his elbow during a fall in the very first game.