Grigor Dimitrov has described his forced retirement from Wimbledon while leading world number one Jannik Sinner as “one of the most painful moments” of his career.
The 34-year-old Bulgarian was on track for a major upset in their fourth-round clash on Monday when he suffered a pectoral muscle injury early in the third set at the All England Club.
The injury marked Dimitrov’s fifth consecutive retirement from a Grand Slam due to physical setbacks.
“Sometimes the heart wants to keep going… but the universe has a different plan for us,” Dimitrov wrote in an emotional Instagram post, which included a photo of him lying in a hospital bed.
“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.”
Though Dimitrov didn’t specify how long his recovery will take, reports suggest he is targeting a return in time for the US Open, which begins on August 24.
Meanwhile, Sinner has capitalised on his narrow escape, defeating Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals to set up a highly anticipated semi-final against Novak Djokovic on Friday.