GRIGOR DIMITROV is an injury doubt for the US Open after undergoing surgery following his “painful” Wimbledon exit.
The Bulgarian, 34, led by two sets against world No.1 Jannik Sinner in the fourth round but had to quit when he appeared to injure his pec muscle while serving an ace.
It was the FIFTH successive Slam from which he had had to retire mid-match.
Lying in a hospital bed, the world No.21 said the “recovery starts now” but it is unclear if he will be fit for Flushing Meadows, which starts on August 24.
Writing on Instagram, Dimitrov said: “Sometimes the heart wants to keep going. But the universe has a different plan for us.
“Having to withdraw from this match at Wimbledon was one of the most painful moments of my career.
“Thank you for the overwhelming wave of love – from family, friends, fans, colleagues, to the entire tennis community.
“Your messages have genuinely lifted me through these hard times. Thank you all. Truly.
“Recovery starts now. I’ll see you all soon.”
Dimitrov’s loss has been Sinner’s gain as he beat Ben Shelton before steamrolling Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-3 6-4 to reach the Wimbledon final.
He now has a chance to avenge his French Open final defeat when he takes on Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday.
Alcaraz beat America’s Taylor Fritz in Friday’s other semi-final and is on a 20-match win streak at SW19.
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