Grigor Dimitrov has shared a message after his retirement from Wimbledon. The 34-year-old was forced to withdraw from his fourth-round match against world number one Jannik Sinner when he was leading by two sets.
Dimitrov suffered a right pectoral muscle injury during the third set of the match at Centre Court. He left the court in tears after what he called one of the most painful moments of his career. The retirement extended his unwanted record to five consecutive Grand Slam tournaments where he has been unable to finish a match.
Grigor Dimitrov’s Heartfelt Message After Devastating Injury
Taking to Instagram, Dimitrov wrote his feelings about the painful exit from Wimbledon.
“Sometimes the heart wants to keep going, but the universe has a different plan for us,” he said.
The Bulgarian continued: “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. G,” the Bulgarian added.
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The injury occurred when Dimitrov was serving at 2-2 in the third set. The Bulgarian had just hit an ace when he collapsed to the ground clutching his right chest. Medical staff confirmed he had suffered a partial tear to his right pectoral muscle.
The Match That Broke Hearts and Unwanted Retirement Streak
Dimitrov was producing some of his best tennis in years against Sinner. He had won the opening two sets 6-3, 7-5 and was on his way to cause a massive upset. The Bulgarian was serving exceptionally well and had Sinner under pressure throughout the match.
The World No. 1 had also suffered his own injury scare early in the match. Sinner fell during the opening game and hurt his elbow, requiring medical treatment.
When Dimitrov collapsed, Sinner immediately rushed to help his opponent. The Italian later said he did not consider his advancement to the quarterfinals as a win.
This retirement marked the fifth consecutive Grand Slam where Dimitrov has been unable to complete a match. His struggles began at last year’s Wimbledon against Daniil Medvedev due to an abductor tear. He then retired at the US Open quarterfinals against Frances Tiafoe with a leg injury.
The pattern continued at the Australian Open where a hip injury forced him out in the first round against Francesco Passaro. At the French Open, a thigh injury ended his campaign against Ethan Quinn despite leading the match.
Dimitrov now holds the unwanted record as the first player to retire from five straight Grand Slams.
