Saints save Sinner as he escapes almost inevitable Wimbledon loss due to rival's injury

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was on the verge of a shocking fourth-round Wimbledon exit before his contender, 19th-seeded Grigor Dimitrov, had to retire due to an injury.

The Bulgarian player was two sets up against the tournament's favourite (6-3, 7-5), and toe-to-toe in the third set (2-2) when he fell to the grass holding his right pectoral after serving an ace.

Dimitrov received medical treatment after returning to his chair and briefly leaving the court. He returned in tears to shake Sinner's hand and officially retire.

He left Centre Court to a standing ovation, but could barely lift his right arm to wave in appreciation.

"I don't know what to say, he is an incredible player," Sinner said, after Dimitrov returned from some brief off-court treatment and said he could not continue.

"He's been so unlucky in the past. Seeing him in this position, if there were a chance he could play in the next round, he would deserve it. I don't take this as a win at all, this is just a very unfortunate moment to witness for all of us," concluded the Italian, who avoided what could have been the most surprising early exit possible.

This way, he stays in contention for another Grand Slam title, alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and several other players at All England Club.