Wimbledon 2025 LIVE!
Grigor Dimitrov was cruelly denied the chance to complete a famous Wimbledon win as he was forced to retire with injury 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 number at these Championships and then winning the second to take a huge step towards a place in the quarter-finals. 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 helped 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. Dimitrov returned to shake hands with Sinner and retire, and received a huge ovation from the Centre Court crowd as he trudged off in tears.
Jannik Sinner vs Grigor Dimitrov latest news
- Dimitrov retires as injury hits in cruel fashion
- SET! Dimitrov closes in on huge shock
- SET! Dimitrov takes opener 6-3
Sinner set for injury scan to throw quarter-final into doubt
22:47 , Alex YoungJannik Sinner has cast doubt over the rest of his Wimbledon after struggling with an elbow injury.
The world No1 looked set for a shock early exit from the tournament on Monday evening when falling two sets down to Grigor Dimitrov, only for his opponent to suffer an injury of his own to his right pectoral muscle which forced his retirement.
Dimitrov's retirement has set up a quarter-final clash between Sinner and Ben Shelton, but the Italian fears he may be forced to withdraw.
Sinner slipped on the baseline in the opening game on Centre Court and took a medical timeout midway through the second set for treatment on his right wrist and elbow.
Sinner admitted his elbow was hindering his serve after that early fall and said: "Tomorrow we are going to check with MRI [scan] to see if there's something serious, and then we try to adjust it. It happened very early in the match, in the first game. It was quite an unfortunate fall.
"I checked the videos a little bit, and it didn't seem to be a tough one, but I still felt it quite a lot, especially on the serve and forehand. I could feel it. So let's see. Tomorrow we are going to check to see how it is, and then we see."
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21:42 , Matt VerriGrigor 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 number one 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.
Click here for our full report!
Grigor Dimitrov will not be conducting a press conference tonight, after undergoing further medical assessment.
Fingers crossed the 34-year-old can make as swift a recovery as possible.
Sinner to face Shelton next
21:14 , Matt VerriSinner very fortunate to survive tonight’s match and progress, as he admitted himself.
He will now face Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals.
It’s been a bit forgotten now, but Sinner had his own injury issues with that right elbow.
Has a couple of days now to get that right.
Dimitrov forced to retire
21:07 , Matt VerriDevastating for Dimitrov, who had played incredibly well up to that point.
Injured himself serving that ace and it always looked unlikely that he was going to be able to continue from there.
Sport can be so cruel 😭
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 7, 2025
Grigor Dimitrov is forced to retire despite being two sets up against world no.1 Jannik Sinner 🤕#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Fc2PHHfHTp
Reaction from Sinner
21:03 , Matt Verri“I don’t know what to say, because he is an incredible player. 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.”
Dimitrov retires!
21:00 , Matt VerriDimitrov returns... and he’s over to shake Sinner’s hand!
That is absolutely heartbreaking for him.
Massive ovation from Centre Court, as Sinner helps him pack up.
Dimitrov is going off to receive some treatment.
We’ll see if, or in what state, he returns.
I imagine Sinner’s elbow is suddenly feeling a bit better...
Dimitrov helped to his chair by the two trainers and Sinner.
Looks to be his right pec that suddenly caused him real pain.
He’s four games away from victory, but this could be a huge moment.
Sinner 3-6 5-7 *2-2 Dimitrov
20:53 , Matt VerriDimitrov’s box on their feet as the latest crosscourt forehand proves too good for the sliding Sinner.
Neither play getting much of a sniff of a break yet in this set, all fairly comfortable on serve.
Dimitrov serves an ace... but then drops to the ground holding his right side. Looks in a lot of pain.
Sinner over to talk to him, as two trainers rush on.
Sinner 3-6 5-7 2-1* Dimitrov
20:49Hop, skip and a jump from Dimitrov as he tries to wish the drop shot over the net - the ball doesn’t listen.
Sinner’s forehand doing the damage in this game and there’s no stress for him, holding to love.
Sir Andy unimpressed...
20:47 , Matt VerriThe main man watching at home does not want the roof closed.
Open it up immediately.
So ridiculous to close the roof at this stage of the match. At least an hour of light left….well over a set of tennis can still be played..its an outdoor tournament! 👎
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) July 7, 2025
Sinner 3-6 5-7 *1-1 Dimitrov
20:46 , Matt VerriDimitrov seems to be enjoying the conditions under the roof just fine.
Forehand dips in perfectly to catch the line, think Sinner thought that was going out.
Looks to wrap up the hold with a serve and volley, but Sinner judges the lob perfectly.
Double fault follows that, Sinner still just about in the game at 40-30. And especially now it’s deuce.
Sinner sticks out a hand after a particularly aggressive slide and that seems to have hurt his elbow again. Drops the racket and shakes that right arm.
Big first serve from Dimitrov seals the hold, and more discomfort for Sinner.
Sinner 3-6 5-7 1-0* Dimitrov
20:40 , Matt VerriYou wouldn’t say Sinner is a crowd favourite in the way Alcaraz is, but the people want more tennis. He’s getting more support now than he has all tournament.
Dimitrov is still pretty popular though and there’s warm applause for a lovely drop volley.
He sends that forehand into the net and Sinner gets this set up and running with a hold.
Warm-up done, we’re ready to start this third set.
Sinner to serve.
How Dimitrov sealed second set
20:31 , Matt VerriDimitrov will have wanted to go straight into the third set with the roof open, it was all going his way.
We’re about to find out whether the change in conditions can inspire Sinner to the comeback he now needs to pull out of somewhere.
Both players now back on court.
Grigor Dimitrov leads Jannik Sinner two sets to love 🤯
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 7, 2025
Can the world number one stage a comeback? 🤔#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/BnmkTLPEo2
Roof to be closed
20:27 , Matt VerriRight then, settle in.
The Centre Court roof is currently being shut due to fading light, so we’ll have a delay of about ten minutes.
If Sinner is to win this match, we might be on curfew watch.
To get it done tonight, he’ll have to win three sets before 11pm. Not sure the curfew will be particularly prominent in his thoughts right now, mind you...
Sinner 3-6 5-7 Dimitrov
20:23 , Matt VerriAce from Dimitrov earns him a second set point. Could do with another one of those.
Doesn’t get it - and instead floats a slice long. Back to deuce.
Back to set point! Third time lucky for Dimitrov?
Yes he can! Sinner blinks first in the rally and Dimitrov has a two-set lead!
Sinner, meanwhile, has huge problems.
Sinner 3-6 5-6* Dimitrov
20:21 , Matt VerriDimitrov didn’t make a great job of serving it out last time but this is more like it. Ace out wide gets him to 30-0.
Might have jinxed him. Net cord drops perfectly over the net for Sinner and suddenly it’s 30-30.
Return is long from the Italian, set point for Dimitrov.
Sinner saves it! Nails the return that time, drags it to deuce.
Sinner 3-6 5-6* Dimitrov
20:16 , Matt VerriDimitrov makes a brilliant volley, with a bit of a help from the net, as he collapses to the ground. In the nicest possible way, you’d think he was 90 years old the way he then gets up.
Anyway, it’s 0-30. Sinner back under pressure.
Three break points for Dimitrov! Clever return, dropped short and Sinner didn’t react in time.
He takes the second of them! Absolutely perfect return and he will once again serve for the set.
Sinner 3-6 *5-5 Dimitrov
20:12 , Matt VerriFist pump from Sinner as Dimitrov sends a slice into the ner. 15-15. Pressure building.
But Dimitrov finds a first serve right when he needs it, two points away from the set.
Sinner still right in this, though. 30-30 after a great return. Biggest point of the match coming up.
Break point! Dimitrov with a wild forehand out of nowhere. Tightened right up.
Sinner breaks! Dimitrov sliding around behind the baseline, never had his balance. Don’t usually see that emotion from Sinner, big roar and then wave of his fist to the crowd.
Sinner 3-6 4-5* Dimitrov
20:07 , Matt VerriCouple of first serves don’t come back and Sinner swiftly gets to 40-0.
Dimitrov briefly extends the game with the latest backhand winner for the highlights reel, but Sinner gets the job done.
Now has to find a break.
Sinner 3-6 *3-5 Dimitrov
20:04 , Matt VerriSinner not getting any joy in these Dimitrov service games. Bulgarian has only faced one break point all match.
Moving so well, up to the net and puts away the overhead with minimal fuss.
Sinner’s forehand lands long and Dimitrov is a game away from a two-set lead.
Sinner 3-6 3-4* Dimitrov
20:00 , Matt VerriRight arm looks to be fine here. Serve speeds about normal and the forehand doesn’t look to be any less dangerous than usual.
Backhand down the line is absolutely perfect and that’s a swift hold to love.
Keeps himself in this set.
Sinner 3-6 *2-4 Dimitrov
19:58 , Matt VerriSinner fine to carry on, we’ll see if that hinders him from here.
Not sure he can blame the elbow on that. Dimitrov’s slice stays low, Sinner doesn’t really move his feet and swings at thin air. Making everyone feel better about their own tennis game, very generous.
Hold to love for Dimitrov.
Sinner having a medical timeout at the change of ends.
Looks to be his right arm being stretched out, potentially linked to that fall in the first set.
Either way, he looks in a fair bit of pain.
Sinner 3-6 2-3* Dimitrov
19:53 , Matt VerriDimitrov clocks a cameraman in the face with one mistimed forehand - fair to say that wasn’t going in the direction before it was intercepted by the poor guy’s nose.
Thumbs up from him, we’ll see if he disappears to put on a helmet between sets.
Dimitrov decides to find the corner of the court with the next forehand, but Sinner reads it and is there to lace a backhand pass down the line. Hold.
Sinner 3-6 *1-3 Dimitrov
19:49 , Matt VerriIs this the Sinner response?
Drops the pass at Dimitrov’s feet and he can’t get that back. 15-30 and an opening for the top seed.
But there’s the Dimitrov response. 137mph down the T, Sinner at full stretch but can do nothing with it.
Double fault - deuce. Bit of everything from Dimitrov in this game.
Big fist pump as he beats Sinner with a forehand winner, and the Italian then shanks his return miles long.
Sinner 3-6 1-2* Dimitrov
19:43 , Matt VerriSinner will be grateful for a more comfortable game on serve. Dimitrov’s slice floats long, 30-0.
The Bulgarian then tries to rush up to the net behind the slice, but Sinner sees him coming and makes the forehand pass.
Hold to love, world number one needed that big time.
Sinner 3-6 *0-2 Dimitrov
19:40 , Matt VerriNot much Sinner can do if Dimitrov does that - serve down the T catches the very, very, very outside of the line.
Sinner is then off balance as he sends a backhand well wide.
136mph ace out wide. Hold to love, Dimitrov is flying.
Sinner 3-6 0-1* Dimitrov
19:38 , Matt VerriSensational point to start this second set.
Has it all from Dimitrov. Big crosscourt forehand, lovely (as ever) one-handed backhand, nice touch at the net and then a confident volley.
Sinner then sends a forehand long. Rattled? 0-30.
Double fault! Seriously rattled? That’s three break points for Dimitrov.
Needs only one! Sinner nets a forehand and he’s a set and a break down.
Sinner 3-6 Dimitrov
19:32 , Matt VerriSinner guesses correctly with the Dimitrov smash, but it’s hit well enough to beat him.
The 19th seed then puts away a forehand confidently, 30-0 and within touching distance.
Ace down the T - three set points.
Serve. Volley. Set. Clinical stuff from Dimitrov.
Sinner 3-5* Dimitrov
19:30 , Matt VerriSinner had needed a total of about five shots to get to 40-0. Think Dimitrov can start thinking about the next game, which will hold far more importance.
Or not, perfect backhand return and Sinner barely moves.
But that flies long and Sinner does hold. Now, over to Dimitrov to serve for the set...
Sinner *2-5 Dimitrov
19:26 , Matt VerriNet cord very nearly helps Sinner, as his forehand clips the top of the tape and flicks over Dimitrov’s racket. Lands just out.
Sinner’s forehand hasn’t quite been at its usual standard yet. Latest one flies just wide.
Dimitrov a game away from the set.
Sinner 2-4* Dimitrov
19:24 , Matt VerriDimitrov with a jump in the air, knows his backhand return is probably just long... and it is.
It’s a much more routine game for Sinner, Dimitrov sending a couple of tame returns into the net.
World number one still keeping himself in this set.
Sinner *1-4 Dimitrov
19:19 , Matt VerriIt’s been rock solid from Dimitrov so far on serve since that lengthy opening game.
Playing with two shots really - the big forehand and the sliced backhand.
Keeps going for the slice here, up to the net... Sinner too good as he makes the crosscourt pass! Deuce.
Sinner with an unforced error, but Dimitrov returns the favour. Double fault, deuce again.
And now break point, as Dimitrov gets rushed with the return and nets his backhand. Timely first serve gets him out trouble.
Two more earn him a battling hold.
Sinner 1-3* Dimitrov
19:12 , Matt VerriDimitrov has a chance to attack the Sinner second serve, but goes for a slice instead... and hits it into the net. New plan needed next time, perhaps.
Like that. Return dropped at the feet of Sinner, sets up the point and Dimitrov then makes the forehand winner crosscourt.
That’s more like it from Sinner, works Dimitrov around the court and wins the point to get himself up and running.
Sinner *0-3 Dimitrov
19:07 , Matt VerriThat was the first time Sinner has been broken at these Championships. Dimitrov didn’t waste any time in ending that particular run.
He’s looking full of confidence, clean hitting from the baseline and comfortable at the net.
Sinner has a look at the pass, but hits the forehand low into the net.
That’s a routine hold and Dimitrov is halfway to the set after 14 minutes.
Sinner 0-2* Dimitrov
19:03 , Matt VerriSinner can’t quite make the backhand pass down the line and this is an early chance for Dimitrov. His turn to get to 0-30.
Could easily have been three break points there, but Sinner shows great hands to make the volley.
Not three break points... but it is two. Double fault from Sinner and Dimitrov can make a perfect start here.
Ace saves one, but Sinner then sends a forehand into the net. Dimitrov breaks!
Sinner *0-1 Dimitrov
18:58 , Matt VerriSinner’s forehand taking absolutely no time to get going and he’s immediately on the front foot at 0-30.
Ace down the T gets Dimitrov on the board, and another one follows out wide. But Sinner then has Dimitrov scrambling behind the baseline and gets it to deuce.
Sinner slips nastily next point, but a thumbs up tells Dimitrov he’s ok. Rubbing his right elbow a fair bit though.
Seems to be fine, slapping a forehand winner away next point. Back to deuce.
Lovely touch at the net from Dimitrov and after six minutes, he has an opening hold.
Dimitrov won the toss and has opted to serve first.
The Royal Box is near enough empty - Roger Federer yet to emerge again to watch the world number one.
Here we go!
18:49 , Matt VerriPlayers are out, just a bit of Centre Court left still covered in the sun. Perfect conditions really, beyond the slight awkwardness of serving in that corner.
We’ve had some very hot temperatures throughout these Championships, but Dimitrov clearly unimpressed here.
Warming up in a jacket.
Waiting in the quarter-finals...
18:40 , Matt VerriBen Shelton has just beaten Lorenzo Sonego on No1 Court.
The American comes from behind to win 3-6 6-1 7-6 7-5 to book his place in the quarter-finals.
He will face the winner of this match between Sinner and Dimitrov.
Game, set and match!
18:32 , Matt VerriMirra Andreeva has just completed a 6-2 6-3 win over Emma Navarro on Centre Court. Ruthless display from the 18-year-old.
Don’t want to say she was locked in - but she won the match and then stood on the baseline waiting for the next game. Didn’t realise it was over.
It is over, and that means Sinner and Dimitrov are up next!
Standard Sport prediction
18:25 , Matt VerriThere were doubts over Grigor Dimitrov’s fitness heading into these Championships, but he has answered those questions so far.
However, Jannik Sinner has been in ominous form and it is hard to see how anyone other than Carlos Alcaraz or maybe Novak Djokovic can stop him.
Another routine win for Sinner looks the most likely outcome.
Sinner to win, straight sets.
Dimitrov eyeing quarter-final return
18:15 , Matt VerriGrigor Dimitrov is in the fourth round at Wimbledon for the third consecutive year, and he now looks to reach the quarter-finals for just the second time.
He has not done so since 2014, when he made it to the semi-finals.
It’s been an impressive run over the last week so far, with Corentin Moutet the only man to take a set off Dimitrov.
This, though, is obviously a massive step up for the 34-year-old.
Sinner enjoying Wimbledon cruise
18:09 , Matt VerriNine sets played, nine sets won.
There has been no stress so far for Jannik Sinner on his way to reaching the fourth round.
Compatriot Luca Nardi was dispatched in round one, and Aleksandar Vukic and Pedro Martinez have since followed.
Just 17 games dropped in three matches.
How to watch Sinner vs Dimitrov
18:03 , Matt VerriTV channel: In the UK, live free-to-air coverage of Wimbledon is currently available on BBC One.
Live coverage will pause for the news at 6pm BST and resume at 7pm - during that hour the action will move over to BBC Two.
Live stream: You can watch the action live and for free online via the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.
Live blog: Follow the match right here with us!
Good afternoon
17:58 , Arthur FerridgeHello, and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Jannik Sinner vs Grigor Dimitrov at Wimbledon.
Follow along here for up-to-the-minute news and views from Matt Verri, LIVE from Centre Court!
