Wimbledon 2025: Sinner Advances After Dimitrov Injury; Djokovic Survives Early Scare to Reach Quarter-Finals

Jannik Sinner has advanced to the Wimbledon quarter-finals after Grigor Dimitrov retired due to injury during their match. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic overcame a shaky start to secure his spot in the next round.

Jannik Sinner (L) assists Grigor Dimitrov after he went down with an injury which forced him to retire from a fourth round men's singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London. (AP)

Sinner, the world number one and a seven-time champion, is on track for a potential semi-final showdown with Djokovic. However, Dimitrov's unfortunate exit overshadowed Sinner's victory on Centre Court.

Dimitrov, the 19th seed, was leading 6-3, 7-5, 2-2 when he clutched his right pectoral muscle and was unable to continue. Sinner immediately offered assistance, but Dimitrov, visibly emotional, could only offer a brief wave to the supportive crowd.

"Honestly, I don't know what to say," Sinner expressed. "He is an incredible player, I think we all saw this today. He's been so unlucky in the past couple of years. An incredible player, a good friend of mine also. We understand each other very well off the court too. Seeing him in this position, honestly, if there would be a chance that he could play the next round, he would deserve it."

Dimitrov's retirement marks his fifth consecutive Grand Slam appearance ending prematurely due to injury.

Sinner himself experienced a fall early in the match and appeared to be experiencing discomfort in his right elbow.

Prior to the injury, Dimitrov had been playing impressively, showcasing the form that took him to the semi-finals a decade ago.

Sinner, who is scheduled to face American 10th seed Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals, announced he will undergo an MRI scan to assess the extent of his elbow injury. Shelton defeated Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in four sets.

Djokovic Overcomes Early Struggle

Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Alex de Minaur during a fourth round men's singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London. (AP)

Earlier in the day, sixth seed Djokovic faced a tough challenge from Australian 11th seed Alex de Minaur, losing the first set decisively before rallying to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Following his 100th Wimbledon win on Saturday, a feat previously achieved only by Martina Navratilova and Roger Federer, Djokovic has now reached his 16th quarter-final at the tournament.

At 38, Djokovic is pursuing a record-breaking 25th major title, surpassing Margaret Court's current record, and aiming to equal Federer's eight Wimbledon men's titles. Achieving this would make him the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in the Open era.

Federer's Presence

Djokovic's 101st Wimbledon victory occurred while tennis legend Roger Federer watched from the royal box alongside his wife Mirka.

Tennis legend Roger Federer (L) and his wife Mirka sit in the Royal Box on Centre Court on Day 8 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London. (AP)

"It's probably the first time he's watching me and I've won the match," Djokovic commented. "The last couple I lost, so good to break the curse. No, it's great, obviously, great to have Roger, a huge champion and someone that I admired and respected a lot. We shared the stage for so many years, and it's great to have him back."

In the quarter-finals, Djokovic will face Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli, who defeated former Wimbledon runner-up Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/3).

Swiatek Advances in Women's Draw

In the women's draw, Iga Swiatek continued her strong run with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Danish 23rd seed Clara Tauson.

Swiatek, ranked fourth, is a five-time Grand Slam winner but has yet to reach a Wimbledon semi-final. With several top seeds already eliminated, the 24-year-old is well-positioned in the second week of the tournament.

"Honestly it's pretty amazing. It's the first time I really enjoyed London, sorry guys," Swiatek said, referring to her previous Wimbledon struggles. "We are tennis players, so we feel well off the court when we feel well on the court."

The Polish player will next compete against Russian 19th seed Liudmila Samsonova, who defeated Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 7-5, 7-5.

Russian seventh seed Mirra Andreeva, 18, reached her first Wimbledon quarter-final with a 6-2, 6-3 win against American 10th seed Emma Navarro. Andreeva's next opponent is Swiss former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, who beat Russian world number 17 Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.