Upon seeing the three-time major semi-finalist on the floor, Sinner crossed the net to check on him and offer support. Dimitrov was tended to by an on-court doctor, first on the grass before retreating to his seat where he complained about his pectoral muscle.
When Dimitrov returned to the court in clear pain, he knew he had to retire. He supported his arm to reach up and shake the umpire’s hands before thanking the fans, greeted by a standing ovation and monumental cheer from a sympathetic crowd.
Sinner accompanied the world No. 21 off court, hoisting his bags over his own shoulder to help Dimitrov into the locker room. It is a sorry end to the Bulgarian’s Championships, his third consecutive tournament reaching the fourth round.
For world number one Sinner, he will take on top 10 player Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, 9 July.