Grigor Dimitrov was cruelly denied the chance to complete a famous Wimbledon win as he was forced to retire injured when two sets up against Jannik Sinner.
The Bulgarian had been in inspired form on Centre Court, becoming the first player to take a set off the world No1 at these Championships and then winning the second to take a huge step towards a place in the quarter-finals. He was 6-3 7-5 up and in control.
But after serving an ace to make it 2-2 in the third set, Dimitrov immediately fell to the ground holding his right pec, as Sinner and two trainers rushed over to him.
The 34-year-old rubbed his eyes as he was assisted to his chair, likely knowing at that point his match was over, and although he briefly went off court to receive treatment, he could not continue.
A tearful Dimitrov returned to shake hands with Sinner and he received a huge ovation from the Centre Court crowd as he trudged off. He has now had to retire mid-match from the past five Grand Slams.
“I don’t know what to say, because he is an incredible player,” Sinner, who will face Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals, said on court.
“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.
“Seeing him in this position - if there could be a chance that he could play the next round he would deserve it.
“I hope he has a speedy recovery. Very, very unlucky from him side. I don’t take this as a win at all. A very unfortunate moment.”
Sinner had been battling an injury issue of his own, one that appeared to be picked up in the opening game of the match. The top seed slipped behind the baseline and landed awkwardly, rubbing his right elbow as he got up.
He was broken in his first service game and had just one break point in the set, which Dimitrov saved with a timely first serve. The Bulgarian was in charge and brought up three set points, needing just one of them.
A double fault from Sinner helped Dimitrov to a break early in the second and the Italian’s elbow issue become more apparent as he called for a medical timeout. He winced in pain as the trainer stretched out his right arm.
That treatment appeared to help and Sinner broke back to level at 5-5 as Dimitrov served for the set, but that fightback was short-lived.
A perfect return saw Dimitrov break straight back and at the second time of asking he did serve the set out.
Officials decided at that point that the light had faded sufficiently for the roof to be closed, with the match paused for ten minutes and allowing Sinner a chance to reset.
The Italian was faced with the prospect of having to come from two sets down to keep his Wimbledon challenge alive, but a freak injury for Dimitrov, suffered in sending down an ace, provided Sinner with an unexpected reprieve.
