Jannik Sinner casts doubt on Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance after ‘unlucky’ fall; MRI likely
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has raised serious concerns about his participation in the Wimbledon 2025 quarterfinal against Ben Shelton, scheduled for July 9, following a right elbow injury sustained during a fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov on July 7. Sinner advanced when Dimitrov retired with a pectoral injury while leading 6-3, 7-5, 2-2, but Sinner’s own “unfortunate” fall in the opening game left him needing a medical timeout for his elbow and wrist, per *BBC Sport*. In a press conference, Sinner confirmed he would undergo an MRI scan on July 8 to assess the damage, saying, “I felt it a lot, especially on serve and forehand. Tomorrow we’ll do an MRI to see if it’s something serious,” per *Hindustan Times*.
The fall occurred when Sinner slipped on Centre Court’s grass, landing awkwardly on his right arm, which affected his serve (only 60% first-serve points won compared to 71% in earlier rounds) and forehand, per *ATP Tour*. Despite hitting 29 winners, he struggled against Dimitrov’s precise serving (14 aces, 95% first-serve win rate), per *Sky Sports*. Sinner expressed frustration, noting, “I checked the video, and it didn’t seem like a bad fall, but the pain is significant,” per *The Independent*. He canceled his July 8 practice session, fueling doubts about his readiness, per @Olly_Tennis_ on X (July 7, 2025).
Sinner, who hadn’t dropped a set in his first three matches (conceding just 17 games), showed sportsmanship by carrying Dimitrov’s bags off court and called the retirement “heartbreaking,” per *The Guardian*. Facing Shelton, against whom he holds a 5-1 head-to-head, Sinner’s participation hinges on the MRI results, expected by late July 8, per *Daily Star*. Fans on X, like @Tennis_Gazette, expressed concern, noting, “Sinner’s elbow could end his Wimbledon hopes” (@Tennis_Gazette, July 7, 2025). If he withdraws, it would open the draw for Shelton, who reached the 2023 US Open semi-finals, per *ESPN*.
