Wimbledon 2025: Sinner Advances After Dimitrov Injury; Djokovic Survives Scare, Eyes Federer's Record

Jannik Sinner has progressed to the Wimbledon quarter-finals after Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire due to injury during their match. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic overcame a shaky start to continue his quest for a record-breaking title.

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 strong contender for the title, was trailing 3-6, 5-7, 2-2 when Dimitrov, the 19th seed, clutched his right pectoral muscle, signaling the end of his match. Sinner immediately rushed to Dimitrov's side, but the 34-year-old Bulgarian was unable to continue, offering a wave to the sympathetic crowd as he exited Centre Court.

"Honestly I don't know what to say," said Sinner, expressing his sympathy for his fellow competitor. "He is an incredible player, I think we all saw this today." He further added, "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 unfortunate retirement marks another setback in his career, as he has now been forced to withdraw in each of his last five Grand Slam appearances.

Sinner himself experienced a worrying moment earlier in the match, suffering a fall in the opening game and appearing to be in discomfort with his right elbow. He will undergo an MRI scan on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury. The Italian star is scheduled to face American 10th seed Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals.

Djokovic Battles Back

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, Novak Djokovic, the sixth seed, endured a challenging start to his match against Australian 11th seed Alex de Minaur, losing the first set 1-6. However, the resilient Serb recovered to win the next three sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, securing his place in the quarter-finals.

Djokovic, fresh off his 100th win at Wimbledon, now aims to win a record 25th major title, surpassing Margaret Court, and to equal Roger Federer's record of eight men's crowns at the All England Club.

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)

Federer himself was present in the royal box, witnessing Djokovic's 101st victory at Wimbledon.

"It's probably the first time he's watching me and I've won the match," Djokovic joked. "The last couple I lost, so good to break the curse."

He added, "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."

Djokovic's quarter-final opponent will be Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli.

Swiatek and Andreeva Advance in Women's Draw

In the women's draw, Iga Swiatek continued her impressive run with a dominant 6-4, 6-1 victory over Clara Tauson. Swiatek will face Liudmila Samsonova in the next round. Mirra Andreeva also reached the quarter-finals, defeating Emma Navarro. She will now play Belinda Bencic.