Jannik Sinner progressed to the Wimbledon quarter-finals in unfortunate fashion on Monday after a tearful Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire through injury while firmly in control of their fourth-round clash.
World No. 1 Sinner and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic remain on a potential semi-final collision course, but the day’s action on Centre Court was overshadowed by Dimitrov’s emotional exit.
The Italian top seed looked to be on the brink of elimination, trailing 3-6, 5-7, 2-2, before Dimitrov pulled up clutching his right pectoral muscle. Despite receiving medical attention, the Bulgarian 19th seed was unable to continue, waving limply to the sympathetic crowd as he left the court in tears.
Sinner, visibly affected, rushed to his opponent’s side before speaking warmly in his on-court interview.
“Honestly, I don’t know what to say,” said the 22-year-old. “He’s an incredible player—we all saw that today. He’s been so unlucky these past few years. He’s also a good friend of mine, and we understand each other very well off the court.
“If there was any chance he could play the next round, he would deserve it.”
It marks a fifth consecutive Grand Slam in which Dimitrov has been forced to retire—a cruel run for the injury-plagued 34-year-old.
Sinner himself took a heavy tumble in the opening game and appeared to be in some discomfort with his right elbow. The three-time Grand Slam semi-finalist has been in imperious form throughout the tournament, dropping just 17 games prior to Monday. He will undergo an MRI scan on Tuesday to assess the damage.
Sinner’s next opponent is American 10th seed Ben Shelton, who defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in four sets.
Djokovic ends ‘Federer curse’ after De Minaur scare
Earlier in the day, sixth seed Novak Djokovic recovered from a horror start to defeat Australia’s Alex de Minaur 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 and reach a 16th Wimbledon quarter-final.
Fresh off celebrating his 100th win at the All England Club over the weekend—an achievement matched only by Martina Navratilova and Roger Federer—Djokovic produced a composed fightback to secure win No. 101 in front of a familiar face.
Federer himself was in the Royal Box alongside wife Mirka, and Djokovic acknowledged the moment with humour.
“It’s probably the first time he’s watched me win,” he said with a smile. “The last couple I lost, so good to break the curse.
“Obviously it’s great to have Roger here—a huge champion and someone I’ve admired and respected for so many years.”
The 38-year-old Serb is bidding to win a record 25th Grand Slam title, breaking his tie with Margaret Court, and equal Federer’s men’s record of eight Wimbledon crowns. Victory this fortnight would also make him the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in the Open era.
In the quarter-finals, Djokovic will face 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli, who defeated 2017 finalist Marin Cilic in four sets.
Swiatek cruises into quarters as top seeds fall
In the women’s draw, Iga Swiatek continued her serene progress with a 6-4, 6-1 demolition of Danish 23rd seed Clara Tauson. The world No. 4 and five-time major winner has never reached a Wimbledon semi-final but now finds herself in a strong position following the exits of several leading contenders.
“Honestly, it’s pretty amazing,” said the 24-year-old Pole. “It’s the first time I’ve really enjoyed London—sorry guys! We feel good off the court when we feel good on the court.”
Swiatek next plays Russian 19th seed Liudmila Samsonova, who overcame Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-5, 7-5.
Elsewhere, Russian seventh seed Mirra Andreeva reached her maiden Wimbledon quarter-final at just 18, easing past American 10th seed Emma Navarro 6-2, 6-3. Navarro had previously ended Barbora Krejcikova’s title defence on Saturday.
Andreeva’s reward is a last-eight showdown with Swiss former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, who overcame Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (7-4), 6-4.