WTA Tour
Sharapova dating 'Baby Fed'
2013-01-08 10:02
Cape Town - If you don't know the name Grigor Dimitrov now, you will soon.
According to
The Post Game website, the 21-year-old Bulgarian is fast rising up the ranks of the tennis hierarchy.
Nicknamed "Baby Federer" for a playing style that emulates tennis legend Roger Federer, Dimitrov is currently ranked inside the Top 50 in the latest ATP Tour rankings.
And just as important (for Dimitrov's name recognition, at least), he is now dating Maria Sharapova.
Speculation has been building since the couple was photographed together last month in Milan, and this weekend ESPN's Darren Rovell confirmed the relationship on Twitter, tweeting:
Maria Sharapova is off the market again. Got confirmation she's dating Bulgarian tennis player, 21-year-old Grigor Dimitrov. Dimitrov has earned comparisons to Federer for his fluid strokes and his one-handed backhand. He has also been mentored by Federer's former coach, Peter Lundgren.
Neither Sharapova nor Dimitrov responded to questions about their rumored relationship.
"I don't discuss my private life," Dimitrov said after losing to Andy Murray in final of the Brisbane International tournament on Sunday.
Sharapova, 25, was engaged to former NBA player Sasha Vujacic before the pair
split up in August 2012.
Sharapova has been
seeded second for the year's first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, which starts on January 14.