Maria Sharapova: ‘To See Grigor Dimitrov Stride In The Top Direction Puts A Smile On My Face’

Maria Sharapova has already made a name for herself as a well-respected and talented tennis player when a young Grigor Dimitrov was just breaking into the tennis scene. Who would have thought that they would suit each other as romantic partners? Sharapova, who began dating he Bulgarian a couple of years ago, has witnessed how Dimitrov's career has progressed and the Russian couldn't be happier with her boyfriend's achievement on the tennis court.

"I think that he's grown so much in the few years that I've even been with him in terms of his focus and commitment to the sport," Sharapova was quoted saying in an article by Theage.com.au. "Obviously, I've always kind of watched his career grow from the junior days, and to be able to see him stride in the top direction really puts a smile on my face."

Dimitrov, who is best known for his relationship with Maria Sharapova, is certainly moving towards the top direction. He broke into the top 100 of Association of Tennis Professionals, or ATP, world rankings in 2011. The following year, Dimitrov entered the top 50.

Even though all eyes are on Sharapova, Dimitrov has also managed to steal the spotlight from her Russian girlfriend. In 2014, Dimitrov is the youngest player, at 23 years old, to be in the world's top 20. It was in 2014 when he achieved his career-high singles rank as World No. 8. During the 2014 season, Dimitrov also became the youngest player to win tournaments on three different surfaces - Acapulco (hardcourt), Bucharest (claycourt), and Queen's Club (grasscourt).

Currently, Sharapova and Dimitrov are playing at the 2015 Australian Open. The couple are through to the first round with wins over Petra Martic 6-4 6-1 and Dustin Brown 6-2 6-3 6-3, respectively.

In an interview with Daily Mail Australia at the IMG Tennis Player's Party at Club 23 ahead of the Australian Open, Sharapova revealed that she and Dimitrov have little free time. Though they are playing in the same tournament, she said that they often have out-of-sync match schedules. However, she said that they tried to catch up with each other in the evening.

Sharapova was previously engaged to basketball player Sasha Vujacic, but she broke up with him some time in August 2012. She got into a relationship with Dimitrov after and made it public during the Mutua Madrid Open in 2013. Sharapova and Dimitrov have been together ever since.

To contact the author of this article, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.