Grigor Dimitrov was simply unfortunate during the Wimbledon fourth round against Jannik Sinner on Monday. After all, the Bulgarian was cruising until injury hit him. After he had to withdraw due to growing pain in the right arm, his opponent and World No.1 couldn’t help but make an honest confession. “He has been so unlucky in the past couple of years. He has struggled a lot with injury and seeing him have this again is very tough.” Rightfully so. Had he not faced a tragic situation, Dimitrov would perhaps have pulled off the biggest upset at the ongoing grass major. But now, even coming back to the court looks like an afterthought. That’s what a former American pro has indicated.

Dimitrov’s best slam performance has been reaching the semis at the 2017 Australian Open and 2019 US Open. Speaking of Wimbledon, he made it to the semifinal more than a decade ago, in 2014. On Monday, he had the chance to replicate that run but it wasn’t meant to be. He was seen holding the pectoral muscle beneath his right arm, leaving the court despite dominating Sinner (6-3, 7-5, 2-2). Commenting on his shocking fate at the grass major, ex-ATP icon Andy Roddick recently said, “One of the most well-liked guys on tour, one of the most respected. I think that’s why you are seeing the reaction and it was just heartbreaking.” Trying to convey Dimitrov’s inner feelings after an unfortunate end of his Wimbledon campaign, Roddick added, “‘Maybe this is the thing that starts my last run, maybe I can go back to the top five, I’ve never made a Grand Slam final, maybe this is the time where I can do all of these things.’ And then, just like that.”

Continuing further, he tried to speculate what must be going through the Bulgarian’s mind at the moment. “‘The last time I played Wimbledon, I didn’t know if I was gonna retire, I didn’t know if I’d we be back but it crossed my mind for the first time as I was walking off.’ I guarantee you that’s a thought for him. ‘Will I be back here? Is this the way my Wimbledon story ends?'”

For the uninitiated, it was Dimitrov’s fifth consecutive withdrawal from a slam due to injuries. The 34-year-old had an unfortunate moment last year, too, at the Wimbledon. In the fourth round stage against Daniil Medvedev, he was forced to retire. The unexpected decision came in the first set itself as the Russian was leading 5-3.

Then at the 2024 US Open, in the QF stage against Frances Tiafoe, the Bulgarian withdrew in the fourth set. He was trailing 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 1-5 during the time of his walkover. Down under, too, the situation remained unchanged. In the first round of the Australian Open, back in January, against Italy’s Francesco Passaro, Dimitrov eventually retired in the second set. He was trailing that moment (5-7, 1-2) before leaving the court.

When Grigor Dimitrov showed confidence on his fitness

Just few days back, Grigor Dimitrov ensured his fourth round appearance after besting Austrian Sebastian Ofner. He defeated him in straight sets with a score line of 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(0). After that encounter, the Bulgarian expressed a lot of confidence over his form and fitness. After making it to the R16 at the grass major for a fifth time he said, “We’re in the second week of Wimbledon. Let’s have fun.” reported ATP’s website on July 6. He also revealed, “At the moment I feel great. I’m pain-free,”

The situation seemed promising for him before the fourth round battle. Backing himself he added, “I’ve done quite a sufficient amount of work before the tournament began. Overall, every day has been positive. I feel like I’m building off that, which makes me not only happy but excited for what’s to come.”

“To get out there and play against these guys right now. This is in a way the most important thing for me.” Unfortunately, his injury woes have betrayed him once again. Yet another slam, yet another setback. Will there ever be an end to his misery at the biggest stages? Only time will tell.

What are your thoughts on his condition? Can he make a solid return at the upcoming US Open in time? Let us know in the comments below and don’t miss a moment—get minute-by-minute coverage of the Championships on EssentiallySports.