Sinner Advances to Wimbledon Quarterfinals After Dimitrov's Injury-Forced Exit

Jannik Sinner progressed to the Wimbledon quarterfinals after a dramatic match against Grigor Dimitrov. Despite an early fall that appeared to injure his right elbow and losing the first two sets, Sinner advanced when Dimitrov retired due to a pectoral muscle injury.

Sinner stated that he would undergo an MRI scan on Tuesday to evaluate the extent of his elbow injury, expressing some concern about the situation.

The top-seeded Sinner had not conceded a set in the tournament until his match against Dimitrov, where he fell behind 6-3, 7-5. However, at 2-2 in the third set, Dimitrov was forced to stop playing.

"I don't take this as a win, at all," Sinner said in an on-court interview. "This is just a very unfortunate moment to witness for all of us."

This marks the fifth consecutive Grand Slam tournament where Dimitrov has been unable to finish a match, the longest streak of its kind in the Open era. He previously retired at the Australian Open, French Open, and both Wimbledon and US Open last year.

During the final point against Sinner, Dimitrov served, immediately clutching his chest. After a few steps, he crouched down before sitting on the grass, prompting Sinner to approach him.

"My pec," Dimitrov explained to Sinner.

Dimitrov, a three-time major semifinalist, including at Wimbledon in 2014, received medical attention on the sideline. After a brief delay, he was escorted to the locker room by medical personnel, and soon after, announced his inability to continue the match.

Earlier, Sinner himself appeared to be in distress after a fall in the opening game. His foot slipped, causing him to fall behind the baseline and brace himself with his right hand while still holding his racket.

During a medical timeout while trailing 3-2 in the second set, Sinner visibly winced as a trainer massaged his elbow. Sinner's coaches, Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, watched on with concern.

Sinner was given medication, and the match resumed, with him frequently shaking his arm or rubbing his elbow between points.

If Sinner is able to continue in the tournament, the 23-year-old Italian will face No. 10 Ben Shelton of the United States in the semifinals. Sinner holds a 5-1 lead in their head-to-head record, having won their last five matches, including encounters at Wimbledon last year and the Australian Open this year.

Prior to Monday's match, Sinner had only lost a total of 17 games in the tournament, tying the Open era record for the fewest by a man at Wimbledon through three completed matches.

The match was briefly paused after Sinner fell behind by two sets to allow for the stadium's retractable roof to be closed due to diminishing sunlight.

Approximately thirty minutes later, the match concluded with Dimitrov's retirement.

This marked Dimitrov's 10th career retirement at a major tournament.

"He's been so unlucky in the past couple of years. An incredible player. A good friend of mine, also. We understand each other very well, off the court, too," Sinner commented. "I hope he has a speedy recovery."