Andy Murray criticized the Wimbledon Organizing Committee after they decided to close the central field roof in the fourth round between Jannik Sinner and Grigor Dimitrov – a controversial decision leading to unwanted turning point.
The match took place dramatic when Dimitrov suddenly took the No. 1 world 2-0. However, right before Set 3, the organizers suddenly ordered the roof to close at about 20:30, causing the match to postpone 13 minutes. After returning, Sinner played flourish, while Dimitrov was seriously injured and had to give up regret.
In game 4 of the next set, Dimitrov shows signs of chest pain after a broken polishing phase. Although he still had the ball scoring with a Ace, the Bulgarian player hugged his chest and collapsed on the yard and could not continue playing. He shed tears when he left the tournament in a bitter situation.
Murray immediately went to social networks to express his frustration: “The decision to close the roof was ridiculous. There was still at least one sound of light, more than one more than one set. This is an outdoor tournament!”.
BTC Wimbledon said they closed the roof to avoid long interruption when it was dark. However, this accidentally changes the conditions of competition – temperature, humidity and bounce – the factor can bring advantage to some players.
After the match, many people questioned whether the interruption and the change conditions have contributed to the injury of Dimitrov. He is said to have encountered many injuries at the recent Grand Slam.
Legendary John McEnroe (BBC) agrees with Murray: “They should have played Set 3 before closing the roof. There are still 45 minutes to 1 hour of light.” However, Tim Henman protects the decision of the organizers: “Outside may be bright, but in the yard of the light center is worse. They try to close the roof at the most reasonable time.”
Despite the victory, Sinner expressed his regret: “I don't consider this a real victory. It is heartbreaking to see Dimitrov falling like that. He is one of the hardest people on the tour, and this is sad.”
Dimitrov's incident is the latest shock in a Wimbledon being surrounded by controversy, from the technology of calling the ball with AI to the time of closing the roof – all that the organizers face the increasing wave of criticism.