Dimitrov has lovely words for his ex-girlfriend Sharapova ahead of his clash vs. Nadal in Acapulco

Maria Sharapova shocked the world this week when she announced that had retired from tennis. The five-time Grand Slam champion made the announcement on social media, catching many by surprise. After making the announcement, fans and her fellow players have been wishing her all the best as she embarks on a new chapter in her life. Her ex-boyfriend, Grigor Dimitrov had some lovely words for the 32-year-old Russian.

Dimitrov and Sharapova’s relationship

Dimitrov and Sharapova dated for close to three years. The two announced their relationship during the 2013 Madrid Open. They later broke up in 2015 after playing at Wimbledon. In her biography titled, ‘Unstoppable’, Sharapova revealed that she decided to break up with the Bulgarian in order to concentrate more on her career. However, the two have remained on good terms.

We are going to see a lot from her in the future

After she announced her retirement, Dimitrov wished Sharapova all the best. During an interview after playing at the Mexican Open, the 28-year-old said that they were still great friends. “Maria is who she is. Nothing but love and respect for that person. We’re great friends.” Dimitrov also expressed confidence that the former world number one would be successful in whatever she chose to do after putting down her tennis racket. “I know one thing’s for sure, whatever she takes on, she’s going to do it at her best. I’m sure we’re going to see a lot from her in the future.”

On the court, Dimitrov has had some success. He will play in the semifinals at the Mexico Open. The 28-year-old defeated Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals to set up a semifinal match with Rafael Nadal. Currently 22^nd on the ATP rankings, Dimitrov will have to be at his best if he is to defeat the Spaniard. Nadal has a 12-1 record over the Bulgarian, with Dimitrov recording his only win at the 2016 China Open. Nadal will be the favorite to advance to the finals in straight sets. As for Sharapova, she will now focus on her life away from tennis. When she announced her retirement, she said that the sport of tennis had given her the ability to face the next chapter of her life. “In giving my life to tennis, tennis gave me a life. I’ll miss it every day. After 28 years and five Grand Slam titles, though, I’m ready to scale another mountain, to compete on a different type of terrain.”

Maria Sharapova’s ranking and performance in 2020

At the moment ranked no.373, Sharapova played her last match on the 21^st of January when she surrendered to Donna Vekic 6-3 6-4 in the 1^st round of the Australian Open.

Dimitrov in Acapulco, ranking, and results in 2020

Ranked world no.22, Grigor has a 7-4 win-loss record in 2020. The Bulgarian is playing in Acapulco where he bested Damir Dzumhur 6-3 6-3, Adrian Mannarino 6-7⁸ 6-2 7-6² and Stan Wawrinka 6-4 6-4.

Grigor Dimitrov will compete against Nadal in the semifinal. The head to head is 12-1 for Nadal.

Dimitrov won 8 titles in his career: 3 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 3 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)