Jannik Sinner captured his first Wimbledon crown a month ago, adding the fourth Major trophy to his growing collection. The Italian enjoyed a remarkable run at the All England Club.
However, he admits it nearly ended in the fourth round. Jannik faced Grigor Dimitrov Centre Court and dropped the opening two sets. The 23-year-old fell at the beginning of the duel and struggled to impose his strokes.
On the other hand, an inspired Bulgarian stopped the clock and showcased his A-game on the fastest surface. However, Dimitrov experienced a massive blow and retired at 2-2 in the third set after suffering a shoulder injury.
Sinner admitted he got lucky in that match. World no. 1 took it as a sign and raised his level ahead of his next duel. The outcome? Convincing victories over Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz en route to his maiden Wimbledon trophy.
Jannik realized anything can happen and stepped up to overcome his next challenges in style and write history books. What could have been a crushing defeat became a pivotal moment.
The Italian's resilience, combined with a touch of fortune, turned Wimbledon into his personal breakthrough. Sinner proved that in tennis, one moment can spark a champion's rise, even a lucky one.
Dimitrov led 6-3, 7-5, 2-2 when he grabbed his right shoulder and started crying. He received a medical timeout outside the court and returned only to announce his retirement and experience the most heartbreaking moment of his career.
Grigor revealed a partial tear of the pectoral major muscle and withdrew from the US Open, skipping a Major after entering 58 in a row since 2011! The two rivals competed in front of Roger Federer.
The Bulgarian made a strong start and claimed the opener 6-3. The Italian erased the deficit in the second set before experiencing another break in the closing stages to find himself miles behind.
Dimitrov landed an ace in the fourth game of the third set to lock the result at 2-2 before stopping and expressing the pain while holding his shoulder. The veteran retired in tears, with Sinner helping him and carrying his bags.
"I got lucky against Grigor, but I took it as a sign. You never know what can happen, and that's how it is in tennis. You have to try to understand why and how certain things happen.
After that match, I stepped up my game and played at a high level in the remaining three rounds," Jannik Sinner said.
