Grigor Dimitrov Complains About Wimbledon Roof Closure During Matteo Berrettini Thriller

It was another deja vu moment for Grigor Dimitrov when Wimbledon decided to close the roof of the Centre Court while he was playing against Matteo Berrettini in the third round. Twelve months ago, the Bulgarian ace tore his right pectoral muscle after taking the first two sets off eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the fourth round and left the court in tears.

Then, on July 2, when Dimitrov was up against Jakub Mensik, the official stopped the match to close the roof. It reminded Dimitrov of what happened while he was playing Sinner last year because before his mid-match retirement, the match officials had closed the roof.

Dimitrov, this time against Mensik, looked up at the roof four or five times. Wimbledon once again chose to close the roof during his match against Berrettini, which Dimitrov jokingly dubbed as “pretty match” due to the two men’s looks. Dimitrov complained to the official this time, asking why the roof cannot be closed during the game.

I’m struggling to really understand… I don’t understand why can’t we start closing it during the game. Why isn’t it up to the players?

Grigor Dimitrov said

Grigor Dimitrov pleading with a tournament official in his match against Matteo Berrettini at Wimbledon.

He’s asking why they can’t close the roof while they’re playing

“I’m struggling to really understand… I don’t understand why can’t we start closing it during the game.… pic.twitter.com/tVc1EKmS1n

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 4, 2026

After taking the first two sets off the Italian ace, the 35-year-old dropped the next two, but eventually ended the match in his favor with a 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3 scoreline. The win helped Dimitrov improve his head-to-head record to 2-1. It was their first meeting since the 2019 Vienna Open round-of-16 clash.

Grigor Dimitrov on the mindset that’s helping him win matches at Wimbledon

Before starting his campaign at Wimbledon, Grigor Dimitrov had made it clear that he had no expectations for the tournament. Because of his ranking of No.146, Dimitrov was handed a wild card to feature in the main draw. After reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon for the fourth consecutive time, Dimitrov spoke about the mindset that helped him get there.

I always believe in destiny, but right now, I’m just trying to live in the moment. It’s the only thing I’ve been trying to do every day I step onto the court. The result, although it sounds like a cliché, has moved to a secondary place; what’s important for me is that I am falling in love with tennis and everything that surrounds this sport again after all I’ve been through in the last twelve months. I’m just taking it day by day now. 

Grigor Dimitrov said at the press conference

Dimitrov will next be facing home favorite Arthur Fery, who overcame Zizou Bergs in the previous round. They will be facing each other for the first time in their careers.

I am proud of how I am handling all of this. Even if I had lost today, I would have also felt proud because I knew that I had given absolutely everything I had. There’s a very fine line between winning and losing. When you win, you analyze the small details you did well; when you lose, you only see the big mistakes. One must find a balance between both.

Grigor Dimitrov added

Dimitrov is a three-time semifinalist at Grand Slam tournaments, having reached the stage at SW19 back in 2014. But since then, he has not yet reached the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Dimitrov, the winner of one grass-court title, has not yet lifted a trophy since the 2024 Brisbane International. Since then, he has played just three finals, all in 2024. The last time Dimitrov reached the quarterfinals of a Major was at the 2024 US Open. In this year’s French Open, he failed to qualify for the main draw.

Also read: Aryna Sabalenka Lauds Naomi Osaka’s Kill Bill-Inspired Kimono Outfit Ahead of Wimbledon Clash: “I Really Love Her Dress”