Ahmed Rizvi
This is turning out to be a summer of splits for Grigor Dimitrov.
First, the Bulgarian, once hailed as one of the brightest young stars of men’s tennis, parted ways with Roger Rasheed, his fifth coach since he began his professional career in 2008, following a humbling straight-sets loss to Richard Gasquet in the third round at Wimbledon last month.
Then last week, the world No 16 announced his break-up with Maria Sharapova following a three-year romance.
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“Our paths split,” Dimitrov told Bulgarian media. “Now I’m concentrated entirely on the game and I’m sure the results will soon be seen ... This is the summer of the new beginning for me.”
Dimitrov certainly needs a fresh start, especially after the results he has had this year following a successful 2014, when he reached No 8 in the rankings, won three titles and reached the last four stage at Wimbledon.
He is yet to reach a final in 2015, and the fourth round at the Australian Open is his best grand slam performance this year.
So a “new beginning” is much-needed, but why could he not concentrate while with Sharapova?
The relationship did not stop the Russian from winning a grand slam (2014 French Open) and collecting four masters titles over the past 30 months.
And why did Dimitrov not win a single title before Sharapova came into his life?
Roger Federer was the owner of five grand slam crowns before his 24th birthday. Dimitrov, called “Baby Fed” in his teens, has some catching up to do.
arizvi@thenational.ae
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