Trailing two sets to zero, Sinner prevails thanks to Dimitrov's withdrawal

Jules Hypolite

07/07/2025, 20:15

1 min to read

Dimitrov Shelton Sinner Wimbledon

Unlikely scenario for the last round of 16 match of the day at Wimbledon.

Jannik Sinner and Grigor Dimitrov faced off for the sixth time on the circuit, with a four to one victory advantage for the Italian. On the London grass, Sinner had been impressive, conceding only 17 games across the first three rounds, a record. Dimitrov, on the other hand, had eliminated Nishioka, Moutet, and then Ofner to reach this stage of the tournament.

The match started with a surprising domination by Dimitrov, who secured the first two sets with offensive and efficient tennis, exemplified by the first set where he won 11 points out of 13 net approaches. Leading 6-3, 7-5, the Bulgarian was on the verge of achieving one of the tournament's upsets, but, betrayed by a muscle injury, he was forced to retire at 2-2 in the third set.

Sinner, who was on the edge, qualifies for the quarterfinals under unusual circumstances. The world No. 1 also appeared to struggle during the match, requesting a medical timeout in the second set to treat discomfort in his right elbow.

For a place in the semifinals, Sinner will have a tough match against Ben Shelton. For Dimitrov, this marks his fifth withdrawal in the last five Grand Slams and the fourth this season.