Sinner Survives Wimbledon Scare as Injured Dimitrov Retires With Emotional Twist
By M Muzamil Shami - July 8, 2025
Key Points:
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Top-seeded Jannik Sinner advances to Wimbledon quarterfinals after Grigor Dimitrov retires injured.
Dimitrov dominated early with two-set lead (6‑3, 7‑5), but retires at 2‑2 in third due to pectoral muscle injury.
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Sinner slips and hurts right elbow early but perseveres; scheduled for MRI.
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Dimitrov’s fifth consecutive Grand Slam retirement, the longest streak in Open era.
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Sinner now faces Ben Shelton in QF; both players driven to recover and capitalize.
Stunner on Centre Court: Early Drama Leaves Sinner Injured, Dimitrov Forced Out
In a dramatic showdown on Centre Court, No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner fought through a right elbow scare to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals, after opponent Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire injured in a heartbreaking turn of events Tuesday.
The match started with high intensity. Sinner, typically unflappable, slipped in the opening game, clutching his right elbow in pain. He played through the discomfort, visibly treating the elbow during a medical timeout in the second set. Despite this, Dimitrov surged, seizing the first two sets (6‑3, 7‑5) and keeping momentum at 2‑2 in the third—until disaster struck. Dimitrov collapsed to the grass clutching his chest after a powerful serve, signaling he could no longer continue.
This marked Dimitrov’s fifth straight Grand Slam retirement, a troubling streak that haunts a stellar career. Earlier this year alone, he exited the Australian Open and French Open due to injuries. Now, Wimbledon continues a pattern that began at the US Open and Wimbledon in 2024—an unprecedented injury crisis for one of the game’s most talented players.
Sinner, whose journey through Wimbledon has been dominant, now turns his attention to an MRI scheduled for his elbow Tuesday, fearing serious implications from his fall. In his post-match interview, Sinner admitted the win felt hollow: “I don’t take this as a win, at all. This is just a very unfortunate moment to witness.”
His next challenge awaits: 23-year-old Sinner will face No. 10 seed Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals—a rematch of their recent head-to-head dominance, where Sinner has won all five encounters in straight sets, including their last two Grand Slam meetings.
Power Angles
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Emotions: heartbreak, relief, concern
Surprise: unexpected injuries to both players
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Urgency: MRI results, quarterfinal implications
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Celebrity: spotlight on two tennis stars
FAQs
Q1: Why did Dimitrov retire despite leading by two sets?
He suffered a pectoral muscle injury while serving; he gauged he couldn't continue pain-free.
Q2: Is Sinner's elbow injury serious?
He will undergo an MRI tomorrow (Tuesday) to detect any significant damage.
Q3: How often do Grand Slam retirements happen?
Rarely—but Dimitrov now holds the record for the most men’s retirements (ten) since 1968.
Q4: Who is Ben Shelton and how has Sinner performed against him?
Shelton is an aggressive American rising star. Sinner holds a 5–1 career lead, all wins in straight sets, including recent major meetings.
Q5: Who retired in today's Wimbledon match?
Grigor Dimitrov retired due to a pectoral muscle injury while leading 2‑2 in the third set.
Q6: What happened to Jannik Sinner?
Sinner slipped in the match’s opening game, hurting his right elbow, and is set for an MRI scan to assess the severity.
Q7: What does Dimitrov’s retirement streak mean?
This marks five consecutive Grand Slam retirements, the longest streak in the Open era, underscoring his recent injury struggles.
Q8: Who does Sinner face next?
He's scheduled to play Ben Shelton, currently seeded 10th, in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Let us know: Do you think Sinner can protect his knee after this scare and go all the way to the Wimbledon title? Comment below and share your thoughts!
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