Jannik Sinner said he could not accept his progress in the Wimbledon quarter -finals “as a win” a tear grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire at an emotional end for his match.
World number one sinner was staring at the possibility of a shock defeat as he lagged Dimitrov back from two sets when Bulgarian 19th seed fell on the floor in pain.
34 -year -old Dimitrov, who is now forced to retire in each of his last five Grand Slam appearances, gripped his correct pectoral muscle and could not continue after a short medical timeout.
Italian sinners, three -time prominent winners, have become only ninth person in the open era, to reach the seven consecutive Grand Slam quarter -finals.
But it was not an achievement that he felt that he could celebrate in the center court on Monday night, instead he was worried about his friend’s good after a heartbreaking conclusion.
Sinner, who re-revealed his on-court interview after assisting Dimitrov from the court, said: “I don’t take it as a victory, it is just an unfortunate moment for all of us to witness.
“He is struggling with a lot of injuries in the previous Grand Slam, so it is very difficult to see him again with this injury.
“We all saw from his response how much he cares about the game, he is one of the most difficult working players on the tour and it is very unfortunate.”
“This is not the end that we wanted to see and it is very sad. We all wish him only all the best to join the crowd to appreciate Dimitrov and his team.”
