Tennis legend John McEnroe delivered an emotionally charged commentary as he witnessed Grigor Dimitrov's devastating injury retirement during Monday's fourth-round Wimbledon clash on Centre Court.
The 66-year-old ESPN commentator watched in dismay as the Bulgarian 19th seed suffered a chest injury whilst holding a commanding two-set advantage over world number one Jannik Sinner.
"He hurt himself on that volley," McEnroe observed as Dimitrov collapsed to the turf clutching his chest.
When the 34-year-old returned briefly before conceding defeat tearfully, McEnroe's anguish was palpable.
Tennis legend John McEnroe delivered an emotionally charged commentary as he witnessed Grigor Dimitrov's devastating injury retirement during Monday's fourth-round Wimbledon clash on Centre Court
PA
"It can't be again," he said. "Wow. Oh God. That's so sad."
Dimitrov hit the ground in visible agony after the painful-looking chest injury, with medics and opponent Sinner rushing to his aid.
The Bulgarian clutched his chest and repeatedly said "my pec, my pec" as he received immediate attention on court.
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Grigor Dimitrov was left shocked after the freak injury at Wimbledon
ReutersHe departed Centre Court with a trainer for medical assessment but returned within minutes, shaking his head to signal the severity of his condition.
The tearful veteran approached Sinner at the net to concede the match, unable to continue despite his commanding position in what appeared to be a stunning upset in the making.
Sinner subsequently advanced to face American 10th seed Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals.
Sinner demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship in his post-match interview, refusing to celebrate his advancement to the quarter-finals.
"I don't take this as a win at all," the Italian stated. "This is just a very unfortunate moment for us to witness for all of us."
The world No 1 acknowledged Dimitrov's recent struggles with injuries across multiple Grand Slam tournaments.
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"In the last Grand Slams, he struggled a lot with injury and seeing this now again, with this type of injury it's very tough," Sinner said.
"We all saw his reaction, how much he cares about tennis. He's one of the most hard-working players on the tour. It's very unfortunate. This is not the end we wanted to see and it's very sad. We all wish him the best."
The latest retirement continues a troubling pattern for Dimitrov, who has been forced to withdraw from Grand Slam tournaments due to injury on multiple occasions this year.
Jannik Sinner remains on course to win the first Wimbledon title of his career following his win over Grigor Dimitrov
PAHe suffered injury retirements in the first round at both the Australian Open and French Open earlier in 2025.
This recurring cycle of physical setbacks has prevented the former world number three from capitalising on promising tournament positions.
The chest injury at Wimbledon represents another cruel blow for a player who appeared to be rediscovering his best form on the grass courts of the All England Club before his body failed him once again.
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