Wimbledon Quarter-Finals: Sinner May Withdraw as Djokovic Faces Breathing Issues

On July 9, 2025, the prestigious Wimbledon Championships enter a critical phase as the second round of quarter-finals unfolds, featuring top players like Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Mirra Andreeva. The day is marked by significant concerns surrounding Sinner, who is at risk of withdrawing due to an elbow injury, and Djokovic, who has been visibly struggling with his breathing during matches.

According to reports from Express Sport, Sinner, currently ranked as the world No. 1, cancelled a practice session on July 8, raising alarms about his availability for the quarter-final match against Ben Shelton. Sinner experienced discomfort during his previous match against Grigor Dimitrov, where he received treatment for an elbow injury. Dimitrov himself had to retire from that match with a severe injury, namely a partial tear of his pectoralis major muscle, as confirmed by his manager Georgi Stoimenov.

In parallel, Novak Djokovic, the seven-time Wimbledon champion, faced challenges during his fourth-round victory over Alex De Minaur. Djokovic conducted noticeable breathing exercises during changeovers, suggesting that he was managing fatigue and potential respiratory issues resulting from prolonged rallies. "I was trying to manage the breathing after 30-plus shot rallies from the back of the court. You need a breather but don’t have much time," Djokovic stated after the match.

The implications of injuries and health issues during such a high-stakes tournament cannot be understated. According to Dr. Emily Carter, a sports medicine specialist at the University of Southern California, elite athletes like Sinner and Djokovic are particularly vulnerable to both physical and mental strains during major competitions. "Injuries can significantly impact performance, especially in endurance sports like tennis, where recovery time is crucial," Dr. Carter noted in her 2023 article published in the Journal of Sports Medicine.

Injuries are not the only concerns at Wimbledon this year. The tournament has also faced technical difficulties, including a malfunction in the line-calling system during a match between Taylor Fritz and Karen Khachanov. Tournament officials attributed the issue to a ball boy crossing the net, disrupting the technology's ability to recognize the start of the point. This incident has raised questions about the reliability of new technologies in high-pressure situations.

As Sinner prepares for his match against Shelton, the tennis community is left to speculate whether he will be fit to compete. The potential withdrawal of a player of Sinner's caliber would not only have implications for the tournament bracket but could also change the dynamics of the men's singles competition significantly. Furthermore, should Djokovic's breathing issues persist, it might affect his performance in upcoming matches, raising the stakes even higher for the remaining competitors.

The tournament's organizing body, the All England Club, has stated that player health is their top priority, emphasizing the need for athletes to prioritize their well-being over competition. In light of these events, fans and analysts alike are closely monitoring the situation as Wimbledon moves toward its semi-finals. With both Sinner and Djokovic facing health hurdles, the remainder of the tournament could see unexpected outcomes and shifts in player rankings.

As the day unfolds, updates regarding player conditions will be crucial. Jannik Sinner's situation, in particular, will be closely watched, as fans and experts alike hope for his recovery and continued participation in this iconic tournament. The unfolding drama at Wimbledon exemplifies the unpredictable nature of sports, where physical health can dramatically influence competitive outcomes.