Grigor Dimitrov's Wimbledon campaign ended in devastating fashion on Monday evening as the Bulgarian was forced to retire whilst leading world number one Jannik Sinner 6-3, 7-5 on Centre Court.
The 34-year-old withdrew at 2-2 in the third set due to a pectoral injury, handing the top seed passage to the quarter-finals.
Sinner came around the net to console his opponent, even escorting him to the dressing rooms before returning for his post-match interview on court.
Dimitrov had been producing exceptional tennis against the Italian, breaking Sinner's serve early and dominating the opening two sets with his varied style of play.
Jannik Sinner helped escort Grigor Dimitrov off court following his devastating injury
Reuters
The 19th seed's retirement marks another cruel blow in what has become a troubling pattern of Grand Slam withdrawals.
The dramatic moment unfolded when Dimitrov clutched his chest after serving an ace and fell to the turf in visible distress.
Sinner immediately rushed around the net to check on his opponent as he sat on the court.
Two physios helped the Bulgarian to his feet and he left the court for treatment, returning minutes later to shake Sinner's hand and confirm his withdrawal.
The emotional toll was evident as Dimitrov broke down in tears during the medical assessment courtside.
It was a heartbreaking end to what had been an inspired performance from the veteran player on tennis's most prestigious stage.
This marks the fifth consecutive Grand Slam tournament where Dimitrov has been forced to retire through injury, continuing a devastating run of misfortune at major championships.
Grigor Dimitrov was close to beating Jannik Sinner, having gone two sets up
Reuters
The Bulgarian suffered the same fate at Wimbledon last year, retiring injured against Daniil Medvedev at the same fourth-round stage.
His injury struggles have become an increasingly troubling pattern, denying him opportunities to progress deep into the sport's biggest tournaments.
For a player who reached the semi-finals at SW19 in 2014 and has long been considered one of tennis's most talented competitors, the recurring fitness issues represent a particularly cruel twist of fate.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Sinner advances to his fourth consecutive Wimbledon quarter-final where he will face world number 10 Ben Shelton.
The American secured his place with a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(1), 7-5 victory over Lorenzo Sonego earlier on Monday.
Sinner had endured a difficult start to the match, suffering a nasty fall in the opening game and struggling to handle Dimitrov's tactical variety throughout the first two sets.
The Italian's progression comes after two hours of play in which he found himself thoroughly outplayed by the Bulgarian veteran before the injury intervened.
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