Grigor Dimitrov is pictured for the first time since agonising Wimbledon injury that derailed Jannik Sinner upset as Bulgarian star breaks silence with emotional social post

Grigor Dimitrov has broken his silence with an emotional update after his heart-breaking chest injury that denied him the chance of an almighty upset against Jannik Sinner earlier this week. 

The Bulgarian star was two sets to the good against the world No 1 in the Wimbledon Last 16 when he suffered a serious pectoral injury that saw him forced into retiring from the match. 

He first held his chest after hitting a volley long on his serve in the fourth game of the third set, which was level at 2-2.

And even though he then struck an ace to win the game, he clutched his pec and dropped to the floor, before the Bulgarian was sadly unable to continue.

Dimitrov left Centre Court in tears to the dismay of the crowd after Wimbledon became the fifth Grand Slam in succession that he had been forced to retire from due to injury.

Now, though, he stricken star has taken to Instagram to give fans an update on his situation. 

'Sometimes the heart wants to keep going… but the universe has a different plan for us,' the 34-year-old wrote. 

'Having to withdraw from this match at Wimbledon was one of the most painful moments of my career.

'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. Thank you all. Truly. Recovery starts now. I'll see you all soon.'

On Tuesday, his manager Georgi Stoimenov confirmed that the Bulgarian had suffered a partial tear of his pec, which was determined after examination and consultation with highly regarded doctors.

As a result of his fitness blow, Dimitrov is set to miss three upcoming tournaments. 

This includes a clay event in Bostad, Sweden, and two Masters tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati.

The initial prognosis is that Dimitrov should be ready for the US Open, although with that tournament starting in just six weeks on August 24, he will be hoping his recovery goes fully to plan to ensure he can enter the final Grand Slam of the year in good shape. 

Sinner was the overwhelming favourite to win the tie having not dropped a single set on his way to the fourth round clash, and admitted that he didn't think of his progression to the next round as a victory. 

'I don't know what to say,' admitted Sinner. 'He is an incredible player. We all saw this today.

'He is a good friend of mine. Seeing him in this position, if there was a chance he could play the next round, he would deserve it.

'I don't take this as a win at all. This is just a very unfortunate moment to witness for all of us.

'In the last Grand Slams he struggled with injuries and seeing him again with this injury is very tough.

'We all saw this with his reaction how much he cares about the sport. This is not the end we wanted to see. It is very sad. We wish him only the best.'

Shortly after his Wimbledon campaign was brought to a premature halt, he was consoled by his partner, Hollywood actress Eiza Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, 35, wrote: 'Love of my life. I couldn't be more proud of you. You are BEYOND outstanding.

'This is just a moment that will pass and make you even stronger. But watching you today alongside the world was a reminder of who YOU are.

'You're a winner. We all saw it. And you'll do it again. I love you @grigordimitrov.'

Gomez, who is also a singer, has starred in the likes of Fountain of Youth, Ambulance, Godzilla vs Kong and Mr & Mrs Smith in her acting career.

The couple went public with their relationship in May, and Gonzalez has described the tennis star as 'the man of my dreams'. 

Between 2013 and 2015, meanwhile, Dimitrov dated former tennis star Maria Sharapova.