Serving Pain: How a Pec Tear Ended Dimitrov’s Wimbledon Run

Sports Doc Talk with Will Sanchez & Dr. Grant Garcia discusses Grigor Dimitrov’s shocking mid-match retirement from Wimbledon 2025 due to a right pectoral tendon tear.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Garcia explains the rarity of pec tendon tears in tennis players, the types of tissues affected, the differences between repairable and non-repairable tears, and the importance of surgical timing.

He also discusses recovery expectations, compares them to NFL players, Dimitrov’s future in pro tennis at age 34, surgical innovations like grafts, cadaver tendons, and internal bracing, and the impact of the injury on power and serve velocity post-recovery.

From diagnosis to elite-level recovery techniques, this masterclass covers how elite athletes battle back from rare injuries. It’s a must-watch/listen for orthopedic surgeons, sports clinicians, rehab professionals, and tennis fans.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Visit sportsdoctalk.com for transcripts, past shows, and guest requests.

Sponsored by The Recovery Shop – your go-to for post-surgical rehab and DME solutions.

00:00 - Intro & shoutout to The Recovery Shop

01:35 - Dimitrov’s injury live at Wimbledon: the moment it happened

03:00 - What is a pec tendon tear? Anatomy explained

05:15 - How this rare injury occurs in tennis

06:45 - Surgical challenges: tendon vs myotendinous tear

08:00 - Time-sensitive repairs and internal bracing

10:50 - Surgical options: repair vs reconstruction

12:00 - JJ Watt’s return in 10 weeks: how?

14:00 - Recovery timelines for elite vs average patients

16:00 - Will Dimitrov lose serve power?

17:45 - Power loss data & rehab outlook

19:00 - Scar size and surgical incisions in 2025

20:15 - Biologics in pec repairs: future potential?

21:30 - CrossFit and high-force pec injuries

22:45 - Dimitrov’s legacy and his fifth consecutive injury

23:40 - Final thoughts + upcoming surgical technique video