Grigor Dimitrov FORFEITS with heartbreaking injury to hand Jannik Sinner Wimbledon victory

Jannik Sinner is through to the Wimbledon quarter-finals but only after a major let-off against Grigor Dimitrov, who was forced to retire while holding a two-set lead

Jannik Sinner is into the Wimbledon quarter-finals – after Grigor Dimitrov was forced to FORFEIT in their last 16 clash when winning convincingly.

The No.1 seed was two sets down with the score 2-2 in the third set when Dimitrov, playing brilliantly, appearing to tear his pectoral muscle. He hit the deck on Centre Court after serving an ace and could be seen shouting “my pec, my pec” with his face in agony.

Dimitrov had been in control, leading by two sets when the match was suspended for 13 minutes as officials elected to close the roof – a decision labelled “ridiculous” by two-time champion Andy Murray.

The Bulgarian came back from the break in play and continued to control the game against the world No.1, only for injury to destroy what had been increasing quarter-final hopes.

Initially the match was suspended – for a second time – for medics to look at Dimitrov. Sinner twice checked on his opponent, who then headed briefly down the tunnel, before returning to inform the umpire that he could no longer continue.

Former British No.1 Greg Rusedski, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “Dimitrov is playing the tennis of his life. We didn’t see this coming whatsoever. This is not the way we want this match to end.

“He is holding his pectoral muscle which is a chest muscle, so let’s hope he can find a solution because we don’t want to see this happen right now.”

Sinner spoke courtside after the match and said: “I don’t know what to say. He is an incredible player and we all saw this today.

“He has been so unlucky in the past couple of years. He is an incredible player who is a good friend of mine. We understand each other very well off the court. Seeing him in this position – if there was a chance for him to be in the next round he would deserve it. I hope he has a speedy recovery.

He added: “I don’t take this as a win at all, this is just an unfortunate moment for us to witness.

“He has struggled in Grand Slams with injuries a lot so seeing him again with this injury is very tough. We all saw by his reaction how much he cares about the sport and he is one of the hardest working players on tour.

“Thank you for coming, but this is not the end we wanted to see and it’s very sad. We all wish him only the best – let’s give an applause for him and his team.”