Grigor Dimitrov Stuns Jannik Sinner in Wimbledon Fourth Round Thriller

In a gripping fourth-round match at Wimbledon on July 7, 2025, Grigor Dimitrov delivered a stunning upset, defeating world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a five-set battle, 7-5, 1-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2. The Bulgarian veteran showcased his resilience and all-court prowess, overcoming physical challenges and a formidable opponent to advance to the quarterfinals of the grass-court Grand Slam. This victory marks one of the most significant wins of Dimitrov’s career, as he ended Sinner’s dominant run and kept his own Wimbledon campaign alive.

Match Overview

The match, played on No. 3 Court at the All England Club, was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, lasting over four hours. Dimitrov, ranked No. 21, entered the match as the underdog against Sinner, who had dropped just 17 games in his first three rounds, tying an Open Era record for the fewest games conceded en route to Wimbledon’s fourth round. Despite Sinner’s commanding form and 56 weeks atop the ATP rankings, Dimitrov’s tactical brilliance and grass-court finesse proved decisive.

First Set: Dimitrov’s Tactical Mastery

Dimitrov set the tone early, leveraging his versatile game to take the first set 6-3. His aggressive net play, highlighted by a perfectly executed sliced volley, disrupted Sinner’s rhythm. The Bulgarian’s ability to mix powerful groundstrokes with delicate touch kept Sinner on the defensive, culminating in an ace to seal the set.

Second Set: Sinner Strikes Back

Sinner responded emphatically in the second set, storming to a 6-1 victory. The Italian’s relentless baseline game and pinpoint serving overwhelmed Dimitrov, who struggled to find answers. Sinner’s ability to dictate play with his forehand and maintain an unbreakable serve showcased why he has dominated the ATP rankings. Dimitrov, however, remained composed, conserving energy for the long haul.

Third Set: A Tiebreak Triumph

The third set was a tightly contested affair, with both players trading blows in long rallies. Dimitrov’s one-handed backhand, a fan favorite, produced several spectacular winners, while Sinner’s consistency kept him in the fight. The set went to a tiebreak, where Dimitrov’s experience shone through. He dominated the tiebreak 7-0, capitalizing on Sinner’s unforced errors to take a 2-1 lead.

Fourth Set: Sinner’s Resilience

Sinner, undeterred, fought back in the fourth set, leveling the match at 2-2 with a 6-3 win. His aggressive play and ability to exploit Dimitrov’s occasional lapses in focus allowed him to regain control. Dimitrov’s backhand showed signs of inconsistency, a weakness Sinner targeted effectively. The match seemed poised for a dramatic finish as both players headed into a decisive fifth set.

Fifth Set: Dimitrov’s Triumph

In the final set, Dimitrov rediscovered his form, breaking Sinner early to take a 3-1 lead. His movement, described as “pain-free” after a year plagued by injuries, allowed him to cover the court with ease. Dimitrov’s net play was particularly effective, as he won 88 points at the net throughout the match, a strategy that neutralized Sinner’s baseline dominance. A crucial break in the sixth game sealed Sinner’s fate, and Dimitrov closed out the match 6-2 with a commanding service game.

Key Moments and Statistics

• Net Play: Dimitrov’s 88 net approaches, including a standout sliced volley in the first set, were pivotal in disrupting Sinner’s rhythm.
• Aces: Dimitrov served 12 aces, including a 215 km/h ace in a critical moment, showcasing his serving prowess on grass.
• Unforced Errors: Sinner’s 42 unforced errors, particularly in the tiebreak, contrasted with Dimitrov’s 28, highlighting the Bulgarian’s composure in key moments.
• Match Duration: The match lasted 4 hours and 12 minutes, testing both players’ physical and mental endurance.

Dimitrov’s Redemption Arc

This victory is especially meaningful for Dimitrov, who has faced significant challenges with injuries over the past year, retiring from his last four Grand Slam matches. His performance against Sinner marks a triumphant return to form, as he expressed relief at being “pain-free” and able to compete at his best. “Physically is probably the number one thing that I really need the most, and it’s there right now,” Dimitrov said post-match, emphasizing his focus on enjoying the game.

The 34-year-old Bulgarian, a former world No. 3 and the 2017 ATP Finals champion, has now reached his third consecutive Wimbledon Round of 16 and his 18th career Grand Slam Round of 16. His ability to compete against the top-ranked player in the world underscores his enduring talent and determination.

Sinner’s Perspective

For Sinner, the loss is a rare setback in an otherwise stellar season. The world No. 1, who has won two of the past three majors, was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Dimitrov’s tactical acumen. “He played an incredible match, especially at the net,” Sinner noted. Despite the loss, Sinner remains a favorite for the upcoming hard-court season, with the US Open on the horizon.

What’s Next?

Dimitrov advances to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, where he will face either Taylor Fritz or Carlos Alcaraz. His performance against Sinner suggests he is a serious contender, particularly on grass, where his all-court game thrives. Fans can follow his progress on live score platforms like Sofascore or Flashscore, which provide point-by-point updates and detailed statistics.

Conclusion

Grigor Dimitrov’s upset victory over Jannik Sinner is a testament to his skill, resilience, and love for the game. Overcoming a year of injury setbacks, the Bulgarian delivered a masterclass in grass-court tennis, blending power, precision, and tactical nous. As he moves deeper into the tournament, Dimitrov’s performance serves as a reminder of why he remains one of the most beloved players on the ATP Tour, with fans and analysts alike marveling at his “vintage” play.