This is the story of a player who turned every defeat into a smile… but today even his smile could not hide his pain
Wimbledon’s broken dream: When Grigor Dimitrov had tears in his eyes and fire in his heart
London, Wimbledon Centre Court –
It was a summer afternoon in 2025… when the sun was shining on every blade of grass on Centre Court, and the spectators were thrilled. Two warriors stood in front – Jannik Sinner, the world’s number one player… and on the other, Grigor Dimitrov – at that stage of his life when the thirst for the game comes from the soul, not the body
First set — 6-3. Second set — 7-5. Dimitrov was trailing, but did not stop.
At the beginning of the third set, Dimitrov hit an ace serve, and at that moment history heard a groan…
He suddenly fell down.
The crowd went silent. He lay on the ground holding his right chest. There was pain on his face, but no fear in his eyes… He knew, this was not an ordinary moment.
Sinner – who was his opponent – immediately ran towards him. This was not a game now, this was humanity.
Dimitrov was made to sit on a chair. The doctor came. There was silence in the entire stadium. Then he went out of the court for a few minutes.
When he returned… then only one thing was written on his face – “I did not lose courage, but now my body is leaving me.”
Then he left perhaps the last Wimbledon match of his career incomplete with tears. He shook hands with Sinner — with one hand, because the other one wouldn’t rise anymore. And then, amid the applause of the crowd, he said goodbye to Centre Court.
Dimitrov’s silent cry: “I am not broken, but I can’t fight anymore”
Grigor Dimitrov, 34, a name who once made his mark even while living in Roger Federer’s shadow. From the 2014 Wimbledon semifinal to this farewell in 2025 — this is not the story of a champion’s triumph, but of his struggle.
This injury was not the first time.
Australian Open — first round, retires hurt.
French Open — first round, same story.
And now… Wimbledon. As he fell on that grass court, he probably saw himself breaking down.
Why is this defeat bigger than a victory?
Because he didn’t give up and leave the court.
He composed himself, looked at the crowd, and with tears in his eyes showed the world — “I’m still standing.“
Sinner said after the match,
“This was not the ending I wanted… It’s heartbreaking for a player to go out like that.”
