Injured Grigor Dimitrov retires from Jannik Sinner match with two-set lead

Grigor Dimitrov retired from his Wimbledon match against Jannik Sinner with a two-set lead on Monday, with an injury costing him a potential upset against the world No 1.

Dimitrov took 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 on his backside – possibly struggling with a pectoral issue.

• LIVE: Follow the fallout from Dimitrov vs Sinner at Wimbledon

Dimitrov, 34, was checked by physios on court and then courtside, where he broke down in tears. He left the court for a couple of minutes before returning, and it was declared that he could not continue.

The retirement was Dimitrov’s fifth in a row at a grand slam.

“I don’t know what to say,” said Sinner in his post-match interview. “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 an applause.”

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