Grigor Dimitrov’s coach has given an update on the 19th seed after he was forced to withdraw with an apparent pec injury.
Dimitrov led world number one Jannik Sinner by two sets when the freak injury happened in the third set.
The physio rushed to his aid as he fell to the floor at 2-2 in the third set.
He then left the court to attempt to get treatment, but came back to Centre Court a few moments later, shaking his head as he was forced to retire.
Grigor Dimitrov was left shocked after the freak injury Reuters Sinner was left tearful as he helped his opponent leave the court. This now marks the fifth straight Grand Slam that the 19th seed has had to retire from.
Jamie Delgado, Dimitrov’s coach, spoke to the media after the Bulgarian was advised against it following the injury: “Yeah I mean completely gutted, disappointed, heartbroken. The work that he’s put in to get to this stage and play in these kinds of matches against someone like Sinner.
JUST IN: Spanish police make fresh statement on Diogo Jota crash with new tragic details disclosed
“Wimbledon is his favourite tournament he’s of course had a bit of misfortune in pulling out of the previous Grand Slams but he was playing so well. Tactically perfect, he was obviously executing it to perfection.
“It was one of the matches of his career and as a team, we thought he could push on and win that match and who knows what goes on in that tournament? Huge sadness today for us as a team.”
READ MORE: Wales women's team bus involved in crash on way to training as FAW make statement
Jannik Sinner was left visibly emotional after witnessing the injuryReuters The Bulgarian was on course to pull off a shock victory against Sinner, who had been struggling with an elbow injury in the very first game of the match.
Sinner was marred with injury concerns throughout the match, whilst Dimitrov looked imperious up until the freak incident occurred.
Delgado and the rest of the 19th seed’s team are now waiting on results to learn the extent of the injury, saying: “I think emotionally, this will be just as hard because I know this year has been tough, pulling out of the tournaments he’s already had to pull out of. It’s getting harder to get yourself up from the lows.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Lewis Hamilton was once 'refused entry to Royal Box' after breaking strict Wimbledon rule
- British tennis star shuts down Andy Murray complaints over 'ridiculous' Wimbledon decision
- Kyle Walker's rocky marriage to ‘embarrassed’ Annie Kilner takes next twist as couple search for new house but ‘aren’t happy’
“This is one of his favourite tournaments, this is the biggest goal he has in the whole year is to do well here. He kind of feels half British, he loves the area, he loves the surface, he loves the history of the place.
“So it’s going to be tough, it is going to be tough, the next couple of months. We are waiting for results on his injury to see how bad it is but it’s going to be a few weeks out for sure.”
Whilst Dimitrov learns the extent of his injuries, Sinner will now be facing Ben Shelton in a quarter-final match. Sinner is set to have an MRI before the match to check his elbow.
Grigor Dimitrov has had to retire from the last five Grand Slams
ReutersBBC Pundit Tracy Austin made her feelings clear on the match: “It's gutting, it's heartbreaking.
"Especially because most people going into that, even though Grigor plays so well on grass and has been playing well this tournament, Sinner was the favourite.
“Then Sinner fell on his elbow and he's going to get a scan today because he was shaking his arm.
"So Grigor is up two sets to love and serving big, really big, 130mph and seems to be completely fine.”
Most Read
