Grigor Dimitrov walks to net and ends match after just eight games against Daniil Medvedev | Tennis | Sport

Grigor Dimitrov has lasted just eight games against Daniil Medvedev on Court No.1 before handing the fifth seed a walkover. Trailing 3-2 in the first set, the Bulgarian suffered a nasty slip on the grass, but initially carried on after receiving treatment.

However, the 33-year-old was clearly hampered as he struggled to keep pace with his opponent, and at 5-3 down was forced to serve to stay in the set.

But on the opening point of the game, the Bulgarian remained rooted to the spot as Medvedev flashed a return forehand past him.

Immediately, the 10th seed walked to the net and offered an outstretched hand to Medvedev, with the match umpire duly announcing a walkover win for the Russian moments later. The pair then exhanged a dignified exchange, with the BBC commentator lamenting the development.

“Well it’s almost as if the whole of tennis, not just No.1 court, but the whole of tennis exhales a sigh of disappointment,” he said. “Because this promised so much. These two wonderful players.”

Dimitrov was given a generous ovation as he waved to the crowd and headed back to the locker rooms. Medvedev meanwhile, can look forward to an enticing last-eight clash with top seed Jannik Sinner.

Much had been expected of the clash between the pair, with the 2014 semi-finalist Dimitrov having fought his way back into the world’s top 10 this year.

Medvedev wished his fallen opponent well in his post-match interview and also looked forward to his clash with Sinner. The Australian Open champion has now beaten him in five consecutive matches, most notably in Miami this year.

“With Sinner we have played many matches, we are both in shape,” he said. “By now I know him well, I know it will be tough and that I have lost five times in a row to him.

“In Miami it was tough to lose 6-1 6-2, but it will be our first match on grass. I think it will be interesting, I will try to give 100% by preparing the match well.”