Grigor Dimitrov has spoken out after being forced to retire from his Wimbledon showdown with Jannik Sinner earlier this week. The Bulgarian led Sinner 6-3, 7-5, 2-2 in the fourth round clash before suffering a partial tear of his pectoral muscle. He then spent time in hospital after picking up the injury.
Dimitrov has endured a torrid time with injuries and had been forced to retire during matches at each of his last four Grand Slam appearances. But he produced a sparking run at SW19 given his recent fitness setbacks as he overcame Yoshihito Nishioka, Corentin Moutet and Sebastian Ofner in his first three matches. The 34-year-old then appeared to have the beating of Sinner, who himself was struggling with an elbow issue during their showdown. But after the players had been given a short break while the Centre Court roof was closed at the end of the second set, Dimitrov was seen holding his pec muscle. And he was unable to continue as Sinner progressed to the quarter-finals.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Dimitrov could be forced to miss three tournaments as he attempts to overcome his latest injury. He may then face a race against time to be fit for the US Open, which begins at Flushing Meadows in late August.
And in an emotional message on Instagram on Friday morning, the veteran penned: “Sometimes the heart wants to keep going… but the universe has a different plan for us. Having to withdraw from this match at Wimbledon was one of the most painful moments of my career.
“Thank you for the overwhelming wave of love – from family, friends, fans, colleagues, to the entire tennis community… your messages have genuinely lifted me through these hard times. Thank you all. Truly. Recovery starts now. I’ll see you all soon.”
The player accompanied the post with two action pictures from Wimbledon, as well as a snap from his hospital bed as he tucked in to a delicious looking pasta dish.