What could have been a major upset for Grigor Dimitrov was cut short, forced off the Wimbledon grass court with a pectoral muscle tear. This guide looks at how the match unfolded, what went wrong for Dimitrov (the setback behind it), and what his recovery might look like.
Injury Forced Dimitrov Out Mid-Match vs. Sinner at Wimbledon 2025
Going up against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Grigor Dimitrov was in a strong position, leading two sets to love (6–3, 7–5) and on serve at 2–2 in the third. He needed just one more set to close out the match, but it ended most cruelly. Dimitrov pulled up, clutching his right pectoral area after knifing a backhand volley. The injury has forced the Bulgarian to retire mid-match on Day 8 of the tournament.
What Is Pectoral Injury?
A pectoral injury is a strain felt in the pectoralis muscle, which covers the chest, due to a tear. It occurs when the muscle is forcibly contracted while in a stretched position. Overstretching and explosive upper-body movements can put too much stress on the area, leading to tears.
In the world of tennis, that looks like serving or hitting volleys, where the arm extends forcefully across the body. In Gregor Dimitrov’s case, the injury happened after he executed a backhand volley, following a hold early in the third set.
How Is a Torn Pectoral Muscle Diagnosed?
A torn pectoral muscle is diagnosed through a physical examination. A doctor will examine the chest and upper arm for signs of swelling, bruising, or muscle weakness. To assess the severity of the tear, they may order imaging tests, such as an MRI or ultrasound.
Pectoral Muscle Tear Recovery Journey
A tear in the pectoral muscle can take weeks or months to heal, depending on how serious the injury is. Recovery starts with rest and pain management, then moves into light rehab and strength work before returning to normal activity.
Rest and recovery (Week 1–3)
During this time, the muscle remains sensitive and is at risk of further tearing if it is strained. Complete rest is key. No heavy lifting, no overhead movements.
Ease off any upper-body activity. This includes lifting, pushing, pulling, or swinging. Avoid even small actions, such as reaching up or opening heavy doors, as much as possible.
Applying ice pack to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes, several times a day, can help manage pain and swelling. Anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. ibuprofen) may also be recommended.
This phase is also when doctors or physiotherapists monitor the progress, in case the muscle isn’t getting better. Wearing a shoulder support can be advised to minimise movement and prevent stressing the muscle.
Rehabilitation and strength building (Weeks 4–8 or longer)
When the pain improves, rehab starts with light stretches and basic chest and shoulder exercises. A physiotherapist guides this to ensure the muscle works without strain.
Overhead and high-force movements are still avoided. Progress depends on how the muscle responds.
Return to sport-specific movements (Weeks 6–12+)
At this stage, the muscle should be ready for more demanding movement. For tennis players, this means hitting shots again, starting with light rallying and then gradually building up to full swings and serves.
Serving is the biggest test since it puts the most pressure on the chest. If that can be done without pain or tightness, it’s a good sign the muscle is ready. Strength, control, and range of motion all need to be back to normal before returning to matches.
If there’s still pain, weakness, or limited movement, the muscle might not be ready yet. Pushing through at that point can undo weeks of progress and slow things down even more.
Recovery from a severe tear can take up to 6 months with surgery. Milder cases usually heal through rehab.
What This Means for Grigor Dimitrov
Grigor Dimitrov suffered what appears to be a partial tear of his right pectoral muscle, as confirmed by his manager, Georgi Stoimenov. He is expected to rest for several weeks and might miss the:
- Swedish Open (Båstad)
- Canadian Open
- Cincinnati Masters
But with hopes of returning in time for the US Open (late August).