In a powerful display of sportsmanship on Monday at Wimbledon, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner carried Grigor Dimitrov’s bags off the court after the Bulgarian was forced to retire from their fourth-round clash due to injury.
Dimitrov, the No. 19 seed, was in command, leading World No. 1 Sinner 6-3, 7-5, and playing some of his best tennis in recent memory. But early in the third set, the 34-year-old suddenly collapsed to the grass, clutching his chest in visible pain. He received medical attention for what appeared to be a right pectoral issue, briefly left the court in tears, and returned only to confirm he couldn’t continue – bringing a gripping contest to a heartbreaking end.
Sinner, 23, immediately went to check on his opponent and remained by his side as Dimitrov sat on the grass, emotional and clearly in distress. As the match was officially called off, the Italian helped him gather his things and carried his bags off court – a quiet but powerful gesture that drew widespread admiration. Dimitrov left to a standing ovation from the Centre Court crowd.
“I don’t know what to say because he’s an incredible player. I think we all saw that today,” Sinner said. “He’s been so unlucky in the past couple of years. He’s a good friend of mine, and we understand each other very well off the court. If there were a chance he could play the next round, he would deserve it.”
“I don’t take this as a win at all,” he added. “Just an unfortunate moment to witness for all of us.”
Sinner came into the match on a roll, having not dropped serve in 36 games. But Dimitrov broke him at the first opportunity, raced to a 2-0 lead, and delivered near-flawless tennis to close out the opening set. Even after Sinner took a medical timeout for an elbow issue in the second set, Dimitrov held his nerve to take a two-set lead, showing the kind of form that once made him a top-three player.
The Italian began to claw his way back in the third, but the match ended abruptly with Dimitrov’s retirement – his fifth consecutive Grand Slam exit due to injury.
Though Sinner advances to face No. 10 seed Ben Shelton of the United States in the quarterfinals – his seventh straight Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance – there was no sense of triumph in his demeanor.
The moment between the two players didn’t go unnoticed. Fans and fellow pros took to social media to praise the sportsmanship:
“Respect to Jannik, heartbreaking for Grigor.” “Such a sad end. Beautifully handled by both players.”
“Gracious, truly gracious. Now go win it for him.”
– Ends