Paolini reaches Wimbledon quarters after tearful Keys retires injured

Madison Keys broke down in tears at Wimbledon on Sunday as the injured American 12th seed was forced to retire from her fourth round match against Italy's Jasmine Paolini with victory in sight.

After dropping the first set to the seventh seeded Paolini on Court One, Keys hit back to level the match at 3-6, 7-6 (8/6).

The 2017 US Open runner-up was on the verge of reaching a third Wimbledon quarterfinal after breaking twice in the final set to build a 5-2 lead.

But Keys suffered a left leg injury in the eighth game of the decider, leaving her limping and in need of a 10-minute medical time-out when she was leading 5-4.

The 29-year-old returned with a heavy strapping on her leg and was visibly upset as she struggled to move and was immediately broken by Paolini.

Keys gamely tried to continue playing but, after failing to run for a Paolini drop shot, she finally decided to retire with the score level at 5-5 in the deciding set.

"I'm very sorry for her. It's sad. Really good match. Really tough, lots of up and downs," said Paolini.

"I feel a bit happy but also sad for her because it's not easy to win like that."

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