By Ben Phillips
Wimbledon Day 8- Sinner Advances as Dimitrov Retires in Emotional Blow
Jannik Sinner is through to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, but not in the fashion he, or anyone, would have hoped. The world No. 1 advanced after Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire due to a pectoral injury, with the Bulgarian leading 6-3, 7-5, 2-2 before disaster struck.
Dimitrov, the 19th seed and 2014 semifinalist, had been playing some of his best tennis of the season and looked in full control of the match, using his slicing, variety, and athleticism to disrupt Sinner’s rhythm. But early in the third set, he pulled up awkwardly, hitting a volley and left the court for a medical timeout. When he returned, it was clear he couldn’t continue. Visibly emotional and uncomfortable, he was forced to shake hands and bow out.
For Sinner, it’s a bittersweet progression. The Italian had appeared to tweak his arm earlier in the second set after a slip and had been receiving treatment himself. While he certainly won’t have wanted to progress this way, his level remains high enough to keep him a title favourite heading into the final stages. The question now will be whether his physical niggles become a factor as he looks to win a second Grand Slam title of the year.
Djokovic Shakes Off Slow Start to Defeat De Minaur and Reach Wimbledon Semis
Novak Djokovic booked his place in the Wimbledon semi-finals with a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over Australia’s Alex de Minaur, reminding everyone once again why he remains one of the toughest players to beat on grass—even at age 37.
The seven-time champion was slow out of the blocks, struggling to find his rhythm in the first set as de Minaur punished him with early aggression and flawless movement. But, in classic Djokovic fashion, he elevated his level when it mattered most, turning the tide in the second set and never looking back.
After the match, we asked Djokovic whether he managed to catch up with Roger Federer, who was watching from the Royal Box. “We did catch up, we greeted each other, and he congratulated me and said it was a great match, and that’s all,” Djokovic said, offering a brief but respectful nod to their legendary rivalry.
We also spoke to De Minaur, who had been playing some of the best grass-court tennis of his career this fortnight. When asked what makes Djokovic such a difficult opponent on grass, the Australian said: “It’s probably a combination of his returning and his serving. I think today, when he needed it, he raised his level of serving.”
That ability to raise his game in key moments is exactly what has made Djokovic a seven-time Wimbledon champion, and it’s the quality that once again pushed him through a tough quarterfinal challenge. With his sights now firmly set on a record-equalling eighth title at SW19, the Serbian remains as dangerous and composed as ever.
Cobolli Topples Cilic to Reach Maiden Grand Slam Quarterfinal
Flavio Cobolli continued his dream run at Wimbledon with a gritty 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 7-6 victory over former finalist Marin Čilić, booking his place in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time.
The 22nd seed from Italy has quietly been one of the standout performers of the tournament, and he handled the occasion with remarkable composure against a man who has lifted a major title and knows what it takes to go deep at SW19. Despite dropping the third set in a tiebreak, Cobolli regrouped quickly and stayed mentally strong to edge the fourth set in another tense breaker.
Afterwards, the 22-year-old looked up to his box, where both his father and brother were visibly emotional, and said in his on-court interview, “I deserve it.” It was a touching moment, underlining just how much the result meant to him and his family.
When we caught up with Cobolli, we asked what it was like facing a player of Čilić’s stature, a former US Open champion and 2017 Wimbledon finalist. His response captured the mixture of respect and confidence he’s shown all week: “I just wanted to enjoy the match. I know Marin well. From the first point, I played how I wanted.”
Cobolli’s fearless tennis, heavy forehand, and tactical awareness have made him one of the revelations of this year’s Wimbledon. With the confidence and form he’s showing, no one will want to face him in the last eight.
Bencic Stuns 18th Seed Alexandrova to Reach Wimbledon Quarterfinals
Belinda Bencic continued her impressive comeback with a straight-sets 7-6, 6-4 victory over 18th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, booking her place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals and reinforcing her status as one of the most dangerous unseeded players left in the draw.
The Swiss star, who returned to the tour just a year ago after giving birth to her daughter, showed her trademark clean ball-striking and tactical clarity throughout the match. She held her nerve in a tight first-set tiebreak and continued to apply pressure in the second, ultimately breaking at a crucial moment to seal the win.
Speaking to QualityShot Tennis after the match, Bencic admitted she’s a little surprised by just how well she’s playing:
“I am surprised. I’m pleased about it, of course. I try not to think about it,” she said with a smile.
Bencic’s combination of experience, baseline precision, and newfound calmness on court has made her one of the stories of the tournament. Now, into the last eight, she’ll be a threat to anyone she faces next.
Andreeva Advances with Style, and a Bit of Starstruck Awe
Mirra Andreeva continued her dazzling run at Wimbledon, defeating Emma Navarro 6-2, 6-3 to secure her place in the quarterfinals. The 18-year-old Russian was once again composed beyond her years, mixing powerful groundstrokes with thoughtful point construction to overwhelm the 19th seed.
While her on-court performance was impressive, Andreeva offered a charming glimpse into her youthful side afterwards, admitting she was a little star-struck during the match. With Roger Federer and his wife Mirka watching from the Royal Box, Andreeva confessed: “I didn’t want to look up at them because it might put me off!”
She also couldn’t help but compliment Mirka Federer, saying, “I love your outfit.” It was a sweet reminder that, despite her mature game and composed demeanour, Andreeva is still a teenager soaking in the experience of playing on the sport’s grandest stage.
As she heads into her first Wimbledon quarterfinal, Andreeva’s blend of fearless tennis and refreshing personality continues to captivate the crowd, and maybe even a few legends in the stands.
What to Watch on Day 7 at Wimbledon 2025
As the quarter-finals arrive, Day 7 promises blockbuster matchups across the courts. Here are the key contests shaping tomorrow’s drama:
Taylor Fritz vs Karen Khachanov
American power meets Russian baseline force in a clash that could define the quarterfinals. Fritz, who now boasts 35 grass-court wins since 2020, will look to serve aggressively and maintain consistency. Khachanov’s big-hitting strokes and ability to seize short points make this a potentially explosive matchup.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Cameron Norrie
Defending champion Alcaraz faces Britain’s dramatic giant-slayer, Norrie, who dismantled Jarry in an epic five-setter. Norrie’s defensive prowess and low-bouncing angles will test Alcaraz’s creativity and power. Expect a gripping Centre Court showdown.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Laura Siegemund
World No. 1 Sabalenka, known for her firepower and clutch mental game, meets grass-court specialist Siegemund of Germany. Siegemund’s slice and net play present a unique challenge, while Sabalenka will need to stay composed and sharp to secure her spot, and deepen her title challenge.
Amanda Anisimova vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Two seasoned competitors go head-to-head in this intriguing women’s quarter final. Anisimova, fresh from edging Noskova, seeks control and assertiveness. Meanwhile, Pavlyuchenkova, who upset Naomi Osaka and outlasted Kartal, brings gritty consistency and tactical acumen. Expect long rallies and shifting momentum in this tactical duel.
