Sinner gains reprieve on Dimitrov heartbreak, Djokovic survives too

LONDON, July 9 ------ Jannik Sinner progressed to the Wimbledon quarterfinals after a tearful Grigor Dimitrov pulled out injured while in total control of the match while Novak Djokovic survived a scare. World No. 1 Sinner and seven-time champion Djokovic remain on course for a mouthwatering semi-final clash but the top seed’s match on Centre Court was overshadowed by Dimitrov’s heartbreak. The Italian was staring at the exit door trailing 3-6, 5-7, 2-2 before the Bulgarian 19th seed pulled up holding his right pectoral muscle and was unable to continue.

Sinner rushed to his aid but his 34-year-old opponent was barely able to wave to acknowledge the crowd’s warm ovation. “Honestly I don’t know what to say,” said Sinner. “He is an incredible player, I think we all saw this today. “He’s been so unlucky in the past couple of years. An incredible player, a good friend of mine also. We understand each other very well off the court too.“

Earlier, sixth seed Djokovic endured a nightmare start to his match against Australian 11th seed Alex de Minaur but battled back to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Fresh from his 100th win at Wimbledon on Saturday, making him the third player to achieve that feat after Martina Navratilova and Roger Federer, Djokovic reached his 16th quarterfinal at the tournament. Aged 38, the Serb is aiming to win a record 25th major title, breaking a tie with the long-retired Margaret Court, and to equal Federer’s record of eight men’s crowns at the All England Club. That would make him the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in the Open era.

Djokovic’s 101st victory at Wimbledon came under the gaze of the Swiss great, who was sitting in the front row of the royal box alongside his wife Mirka.

Source: philstar.com