Andy Murray Criticizes Wimbledon Roof Decision as Dimitrov Retires Injured Against Sinner
LONDON — July 8, 2025
Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has openly criticized tournament organizers for their decision to close the roof on Centre Court during the fourth-round clash between top seed Jannik Sinner and Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov, a match that ended in heartbreak as Dimitrov was forced to retire with injury.
The encounter, which had seen Dimitrov race to a two-set lead, was interrupted just before 8:30 p.m. On Monday evening, officials decided to close the roof citing diminishing natural light. The decision led to a 13-minute stoppage, disrupting Dimitrov’s rhythm and offering Sinner a timely pause as he sought to regain control of the match.
Murray took to social media to slam the decision, calling it “ridiculous.”
“It makes no sense to close the roof at this point in the match,” Murray wrote. “At least an hour of light left… well over a set of tennis can still be played. It’s an outdoor tournament!”
Split Opinions Among Experts
Speaking during BBC’s coverage, Tim Henman backed the decision to close the roof, highlighting the advantages of a more controlled indoor environment.
“Closing the roof eliminates wind and ensures consistent lighting — it creates perfect playing conditions,” Henman said.
Greg Rusedski, another ex-British No.1, suggested the change in conditions favored Sinner, whose performance had lagged up to that point.
“If I were Dimitrov, I’d have wanted to keep playing. The conditions were working perfectly for him,” Rusedski said. “Closing the roof slows the game down and benefits Sinner’s rhythm.”
Match Ends in Unexpected Fashion
Regardless of the debate, the match’s pivotal moment occurred shortly after play resumed. With the match level at 2-2 in the third set, Dimitrov suddenly collapsed in pain, clutching his chest and exclaiming, “My pec, my pec,” indicating a serious pectoral muscle injury.
Sinner showed concern for his opponent, immediately approaching Dimitrov as medical staff entered the court to assess the situation. After a timeout and failed attempts to continue, Dimitrov was forced to retire—bringing an emotional end to what had been a stunning performance.
The withdrawal handed Sinner a place in the quarter-finals, though the Italian was visibly affected by the outcome.
I’m at a loss for words,” Sinner said in his post-match interview. “Grigor is not only an exceptional player but also a good friend. he really deserved to be in the next round. I wish him a speedy recovery.”
What’s Next
The roof decision continues to stir debate, especially among fans and analysts concerned about its impact on match flow and player momentum. Dimitrov’s injury also casts a shadow over what had been one of the most captivating matches of the tournament.
As Sinner moves forward in the competition, attention turns not only to the next round but also to how Wimbledon officials manage similar calls in the coming days—decisions that could again tip the balance in high-stakes matches.