Rumours swirling about an alleged split between the highest-profile couple in tennis were confirmed on Friday when Grigor Dimitrov said that he and Maria Sharapova are no longer a couple.
Just a few weeks after the pair suffered devastating Wimbledon showings - WTA No.2 Sharapova lost for the 17th time to Serena Williams; Dimitrov split with coach Roger Rasheed and lost in the third round to Richard Gasquet - the pair have gone their separate ways.
"Our paths split. We experienced wonderful moments together. I wish her much happiness and success in life and in tennis," world No.16 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."
The parting was tweeted this week by an ESPN commentator: Rumors of Maria Sharapova and Grigor Dimitrov splitting up have been confirmed. - Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 23, 2015.
According to website reports, Dimitrov may have blotted his copybook due to a rumoured Wimbledon fling with fellow Bulgarian and married, mother-of-one top model Nikoleta Lozanova, 2006 Bulgarian playmate of the year and wife of a footballer.
Like the 28-year-old Sharapova, whom he dated since 2012, Lozanova is also his senior, and will turn 28 in November.
All last week, Sharapova was prominent on social media sunning herself on a beach in Montenegro and touting sponsors including Porsche and Supergoop skin care.
Dimitrov has been reportedly linked to Ivan Lendl in the search for a coach to revive his flagging career at age 24.
