Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire during his fourth-round Wimbledon match against Jannik Sinner, leaving the Bulgarian player devastated. The injury, which occurred just after the controversial closing of the Centre Court roof, abruptly ended what had been a promising performance, with Dimitrov leading by two sets to none.

Despite battling through numerous injuries earlier in the year, Dimitrov had appeared to regain form in time for Wimbledon before the pectoral injury forced him off the court in tears.

John McEnroe’s prediction on Dimitrov’s recovery timeline

The tennis world reacted strongly to Dimitrov’s latest setback, with many expressing sympathy for the player who has faced repeated injury retirements in major tournaments. According to tennis legend John McEnroe, this injury could sideline Dimitrov for an extended period, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Speaking on the BBC’s 6-Love-6 show, McEnroe noted,

“That’s the fifth slam in a row that he has defeated during a match,”

—John McEnroe, commentator. He highlighted the unfortunate nature of Dimitrov’s circumstances, adding,

“He has the perfect game plan with that slice that stayed really low. We don’t know the injury. If he tore his pec he is out for the rest of the year. He is 34. It’s not as old as it used to be, especially when you watch [Novak] Djokovic go out there and do his thing.”

—John McEnroe, commentator.

Tim Henman applauds Dimitrov’s display against Sinner

Former world number four Tim Henman praised Dimitrov’s skill and composure during the match despite the unfortunate ending. Henman acknowledged how Dimitrov’s versatile game showed many strengths until the injury forced his exit.

He remarked,

“I thought it was so good to see someone of Dimitrov’s skill-set to be out on Centre Court and show so many strings to his bow,”

—Tim Henman, former tennis player. Henman highlighted Dimitrov’s aggressive play, serving, and effective use of slice, also adding,

“To be up two sets to love on Sinner, so close to the finishing line and for it to end in that fashion was so hard to watch.”

—Tim Henman, former tennis player.

Support and reaction from Patrick McEnroe following Dimitrov’s injury

Messages of encouragement have poured in after Dimitrov’s sudden retirement, including from John McEnroe’s brother, Patrick McEnroe. The former Grand Slam doubles champion shared a heartfelt response on social media, reflecting on the fragility of sport and life.

Patrick expressed,

“Man…you know we forget sometimes how fragile this whole thing is,”

—Patrick McEnroe, former tennis player. He continued with deep sympathy,

“Sport, life and…man, tears. Grigor Dimitrov, absolutely brutal. Absolutely brutal. You just got to feel for the guy, oh man. Good on you Grigor.”

—Patrick McEnroe, former tennis player.

At present, the exact nature of Dimitrov’s injury remains uncertain, as fans and the tennis community await further updates on his condition and recovery prospects.