Maria Sharapova Dating a Younger Man: Tennis Star Confirms Relationship With Grigor Dimitrov

Tennis star Maria Sharapova has found love on the court. The No. 2-ranked women’s tennis player dished about the number one man in her life -- her new and younger boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov -- this week while discussing the upcoming French Open.

The 26-year-old athlete confirmed to USA Today that her and Dimitrov, 22, a fellow pro, are officially a couple, days after the duo was photographed together at the Madrid Open (See the photo here). The athlete admitted that her new Bulgarian-native beau, who is currently ranked 28th on the men’s tour, keeps her on her toes.

“It’s going really well,” said Sharapova. “Maybe it makes me really young, too, inside which is good,” she said, admitting her usual company consists of those much older than herself.

While Sharapova and Dimitrov both have their professions in common, the tennis star said their relationship is based on more than just their love for the sport.

"It’s about finding that person where you can be yourself all the time, where you’re comfortable with being [the] young girl, the older girl, the mature girl, and the person that understands you and looks at you and says, ‘You’re completely off you rocker!’” she said.

The star athlete also commented on her past failed relationship with her former fiance, NBA guard Sasha Vujacic, stating that the split was difficult but necessary after realizing they were on two different paths in life. Sharapova claimed her bond with Dimitrov is more centered on what she is truly looking for in a career and a partner.

“I have so many things going on in my life and I really love them,” she said. “Of course I want someone to be by my side to enjoy them… It’s really important that that person respects me for the decisions that I make and the things that I do in my life.”

Sharapova first hinted at the existence of the relationship with the tennis star after beating Kaia Kanepi 6-2, 6-4 at the Madrid Open, writing, “How did you catch us?” on a TV camera.