Grigor Dimitrov after Wimbledon injury: 'One of the most painful moments of my career'

Grigor Dimitrov says that the injury-induced ending to his fourth-round Wimbledon match was "one of the most painful moments of [his] career," the 34-year-old Bulgarian is determined to bounce back.

Dimitrov posted to Instagram on Friday in his first public comments about the reportedly torn pectoral muscle that forced him to retire when leading world No. 1 Jannik Sinner by two sets on Centre Court four days ago. The retirement was Dimitrov's fifth consecutive in a Grand Slam event, but occurred acutely: Serving in the fourth game of the third set, Dimitrov pulled up clutching his right pectoral area after knifing a backhand volley to hold for 2-2 in the third set.

A tearful Dimitrov could not play another point, putting Sinner through to the next round by a 3-6, 5-7, 2-2 final score. The Bulgarian left Centre Court to a standing ovation, and did not meet reporters afterwards. But he spoke from the heart in his post.

Read more: Grigor Dimitrov retires with two-set lead over Jannik Sinner after suffering pectoral injury at Wimbledon

"Sometimes the heart wants to keep going… but the universe has a different plan for us," Dimitrov wrote on his post, which was comprised of two photos from his Wimbledon campaign and then a third of him sitting and eating in a hospital bed.

"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," he continued.

Dimitrov did not say for how long he'll be out of action, writing only, "recovery starts now. I’ll see you all soon," but a report from Bulgarian tennis website TennisKafe claimed that he may recover by the US Open next month. Citing a statement from Dimitrov's representatives, he will reportedly miss upcoming events in Bastad, Toronto and Cincinnati.